The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has assured faith leaders and Ghanaians that genetically modified (GM) foods, particularly the Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) cowpea, are safe, nutritious, and beneficial to both farmers and consumers.

The scientists said the GM cowpea has been proven safe for consumption with the same nutritional value and taste as the conventional cowpea, has no health risk, is pest resistant on the farm, and increases crop yields.
Faith Leaders Engagement

This was revealed at an engagement workshop with faith leaders in Bolgatanga, organised by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Ghana Chapter, to clarify misconceptions about GM crops and to highlight the benefits of the country’s first genetically modified crop, PBR cowpea, released in 2024.

A senior food scientist with CSIR-SARI, Dr Flora Christine Amagloh, assured participants that the GM cowpea retains the same nutritional value as conventional beans and was safe for consumption.

“Cowpea is a major source of protein in Ghana. Our research shows no significant difference in carbohydrates, protein, fats, or minerals between the PBR cowpea and the conventional type. Nutritionally, they are the same and it is safe for consumption, so all the myths around it should be ignored,” she explained.

She further revealed that sensory evaluation tests on popular Ghanaian dishes such as waakye, tubani, koose, and red-red showed that consumers found no differences in taste, texture, or appearance. “In some cases, people even preferred dishes made from the PBR cowpea,” Dr Amaglu noted.

A plant breeder and scientist, also at the CSIR-SARI, Gloria Adazebra, explained that the PBR cowpea was developed to address the longstanding challenge of insect infestations on farmers’ fields.

“Farmers have always complained of spraying eight to ten times in a season, yet they still lose much of their harvest. With the PBR cowpea, only two sprays are needed. This saves farmers money, protects the environment, and ensures higher yields,” she said.

Adezebra added that faith leaders were deliberately targeted because of their strong influence on congregations. “Once faith leaders understand that science is not in contradiction with faith, they can help demystify biotechnology for their people,” she stressed.

Technology and Food Security

A member of OFAB Ghana, Ama Kudom Agyemang, indicated that biotechnology was critical for the country’s food security in the face of climate change and dwindling farmlands.

“Agricultural lands are shrinking while our population keeps growing. Farmers need better tools, not more land. Biotechnology offers those tools,” she said.
She urged faith leaders to reassure their congregations that “science is not demonic.” Quoting scripture, she added: “The Bible says knowledge shall increase. Science is part of that knowledge. It supplements, not contradicts, our faith.”

Faith Leaders Enlightened

Reverend Father Dr Mark Caesar Abagna, Diocesan Coordinator for Interreligious Dialogue and Ecumenism for the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocese, described the workshop as eye-opening.

“There are so many conspiracy theories around GM foods. People are told they will alter the human race or destroy our health. These are not true. Today’s discussions have been very enlightening and should be extended to more people,” he said.

Another participant, Reverend Goldie Uemuye Patra, admitted she had previously feared GM foods due to negative public commentary.

“The myths I believed have been demystified. I now know GM crops like the PBR cowpea are safe, nutritious, and beneficial to farmers. I have had the opportunity to taste its food (koose) today and l can say the taste is the same,” She said.