Two feature articles that opposed the introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to Ghana/Africa were published on modernGhana web site about three weeks ago. The first was entitled “Why is Kofi Annan Fronting for Monsanto? The GMO Assault on Africa” and the second was entitled “Why Ghanaians should stay away from GM Foods: Dr. Kwame Osei”.
First of all, I would like to congratulate the authors on their articles. However, it is important to rebut some of the sensationalisms, scaremongering, and the misleading arguments that were prated in those articles. Interestingly, one of the articles was based entirely on what Prince Charles said or did not say. Since when has Prince Charles become a repository of knowledge on GMOs? I would also like to implore them and others to be circumspect in their attempt to demonize anything GMO. It is important for those of us in this debate to be cautious in how we frame our arguments. Because whatever we write or say today in an attempt to oppose GMOs will ultimately shape the future of biotechnology/genetic engineering in Ghana.
It is sad to read some of the personal conjectures and half-truths that were churned out in those and related articles. Technology is said to contain “messy, complex, and problem-solving components” (Hughes). Unfortunately, the messy and complex components get all the attention and become the fan that stokes the flame of resistance to acceptability. However, the problem-solving components, the engines for societal development, normally get drowned in a cacophony of misleading scientific interpretations. Why...
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Source: newsroom - meattradenewsdaily.co.uk
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