OFAB Educates Influencers on GMO Safety
The Ghana chapter of the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) has organised a day’s workshop for bloggers and social media influencers in Accra.
The workshop focused on educating participants about biotechnology and equipping them with the tools needed to dispel misconceptions surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) through their platforms.
The National Coordinator of OFAB, Dr Richard Ampadu-Ameyaw emphasised the importance of journalists and influencers gaining a deeper understanding of GMOs and biotechnology.
He urged them to spread accurate information to prevent the spread of false messages that could incite fear and panic among the public.
“It is necessary for you to seek more knowledge about GMOs so you can spread factual information,” Dr Ampadu-Ameyaw stated.
During the workshop, a representative from the Biotechnology Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Mr Daniel Osei Ofosu reassured participants about the safety of GMOs.
He cited extensive research by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other scientists, which has consistently proven that GMOs are safe.
Mr Ofosu advised social media influencers to be mindful of the content they share, urging them not to contribute to the spread of misinformation.
“You have powerful platforms and large followers, so you need to be very careful about what you post,” he said.
He further clarified that GMOs do not involve harmful chemicals and have no adverse effects on human health.
A senior biosafety officer from the National Biosafety Authority, Mr Kwesi Anderson who spoke at the event assured the public that the Authority remained committed to its legal mandate to protect public health.
He encouraged Ghanaians to remain calm and not be swayed by the ongoing controversies and misconceptions surrounding GMOs.
Mr Anderson acknowledged that there were still considerable work to be done by the Authority in educating the public.
However, he emphasised that collaborations, such as those with OFAB, have been instrumental in advancing their public education efforts.
He further stressed on the safety of biotechnology, biosafety, and GMOs, citing the rigorous processes and thorough economic assessments these technologies undergo before being approved for use.
BY RAISSA SAMBOU
