Legal Experts From Nigeria, Ghana Reject GMOs, Call For Food Sovereignty And Agroecology
Legal activists and environmental advocates from Nigeria and Ghana have collectively rejected the introduction of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) into the agricultural systems of their countries.
After robust, structured, and eye-opening presentations, discussions and contributions arising from a brainstorming session held on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at LA Villa Boutique Hotel, Accra, Ghana, the experts called for strict adherence to the Precautionary Principle and urged their governments to prioritise sustainable agricultural practices.
The event was organized by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), hosted by Food Sovereignty Ghana (FSG), and supported by Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoE) and the GMO Free Alliance.
The meeting brought together prominent legal and environmental advocates from both nations:
– Nigeria Delegation: Mariann Bassy-Orovwuje (DED, ERA/FoE and GMO Free Alliance), Ifeanyi Nwankwere, Esq. (Chido Legal Consult), Teyojesam Eko (The Metro Lawyer), Onome Etisioro (HOMEF), and Maryann Akro (HOMEF).
– Ghana Delegation: Ras Aswad Nkrabea (Mobilisation Director,FSG), Wayoe Ghanamannti, Esq. (Legal Director,FSG), Edwin Baffour (Communications Officer, FSG), Kwame Nkrumah Botsio, Esq. (Penuel Law Services, Accra), Nana Ama Agamah, and Yehoda Kotey (Dromoh Chambers, Accra).
The participants voiced strong objections to the release of GMOs in Nigeria, Ghana, and across the sub-region. They argued that Africa’s fertile land is sufficient to ensure food sovereignty and security, and that hunger is a result of poor governance, inadequate food infrastructure, and lack of support for smallholder farmers—who make up over 70% of farmers in both countries.
The experts warned that current Biosafety Laws in Nigeria and Ghana are defective and dangerous to their ecosystems. They criticised the laws for lacking public participation and legal safeguards, which undermine citizens’ rights and food sovereignty.
Key Concerns Raised
1. Violation of the Precautionary Principle: The experts stated that the introduction of GMOs violates the African Union’s Model Law on Biodiversity, which emphasises a precautionary approach.
2. Socio-Economic and Cultural Impacts: The group underscored the negative impacts of GMOs, including harm to smallholder farmers, loss of biodiversity, rural unemployment, environmental degradation, and socio-cultural disruptions.
3. Corporate Appropriation of Seeds: They warned against the monopoly of seed rights by Transnational Corporations, which deprives farmers of their traditional seed ownership and undermines local agricultural systems.
4. Misinformation and Propaganda: Participants denounced the intense propaganda that portrays GMOs as solutions to food security while ignoring associated risks such as industrial mono-cropping, land grabbing, and health concerns.
The delegates called on their governments to learn from the experiences of countries like Burkina Faso, which have rejected GMOs after witnessing their adverse effects.
The experts made the following recommendations:
1. Reject GMOs Entirely: Both nations must reject oppressive food systems driven by corporate profit and biotechnology interests.
2. Adopt Agroecology: Governments should invest in agroecology, which promotes sustainable agriculture, community well-being, and environmental stewardship.
3. Public Policy Support: Introduce policies that protect farmers’ seed systems, prohibit monoculture farming, and ensure access to land and soil care. Policies must prioritise people, not industry profits.
4. Empower Farmers: Smallholder farmers, as agricultural experts, should lead agricultural development initiatives.
5. Promote Farmers’ Seeds: Agroecology and farmers’ seed systems represent hope for humanity and must be defended against industrial agriculture.
The experts pledged to work together to defend food sovereignty, protect biodiversity, and support smallholder farmers as the bedrock of Africa’s agricultural future.
