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Ghana is set to join the few African nations that are into the production and consumption of Genetically Modified Foods.

At a public lecture held at the lecture theatre of the KNUST Agriculture faculty last Monday, Dr. Richard Akromah of the Crop and soil Science department stated that sufficient education on the issue of biotechnology and genetically modified foods had been provided for the country’s legislators to enable them accept the concept of biotechnology and its use in the country.

He says that it has become necessary for Ghana to adopt the production and consumption of GM foods because the country’s population is increasing at an alarming rate that needs to be fed with the existing resources. He says biotechnology helps breeders develop varieties that overcome important production problems that bedevil farmers.

Currently, Burkina Faso, Egypt and South Africa are the only African countries that produce and consume GM foods.

Dr. Garry Blumenthal, a US Biotechnology expert attributed opposition to GM foods in many countries mainly to the fear of the unknown and lack of knowledge of the science involved. He also considers it more of a moral issue, saying that people are opposed to biotechnology because they think people should not mess with nature and not because of any scientific evidence of dangers of the technology.

-BERNARD BUACHI FOCUS FM, KNUST.

Ghana's Oil and Gas Sector - World Bank Support

The development of Ghana’s Jubilee oilfield has the potential to bring
substantial benefits, including reliable and affordable power generation, government
revenues estimated at more than $1 billion during peak production, foreign exchange
income, jobs, and stimulated demand for local goods and services to Ghana. The
engagement of the World Bank Group in the Jubilee oilfield supports the
government’s priority to develop its natural resources in the long-term
interests of the country. The World Bank Group is committed to following the highest
standards of governance and environmental and social practice to help maximize the
development impact in all projects we support.


· The World Bank is making available to Ghana its global knowledge and expertise in
the oil and gas sector to help the Government manage the new resources.

· IFC brings long-term capital along with private sector industry knowhow and a
commitment to best global best practices in private sector finance.

· MIGA offers a range of benefits to investors seeking protection and continuity for
their projects by providing political risk guarantees and dispute resolution
services for guaranteed investments.




World Bank (IDA/IBRD) Support


· In response to a request from the government, a capacity-building project with
concessional IDA funding of about $30 million is under preparation. It would assist
public bodies in charge of overseeing the oil and gas sector and provide support to
vocational training institutions.

· IBRD is in preliminary discussions to provide a loan on commercial terms to Ghana
to enable GNPC acquire an equity stake in a joint-venture for the development of the
associated gas from the Jubilee Field.


For any questions related to the World Bank’s support for Ghana’s oil
and gas sector, please contact us.

World Bank, Accra