Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04ACCRA1543
2004-07-26 09:53:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Accra
Cable title:  

GHANA ADVANCES ITS BIOSAFETY FRAMEWORK

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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ACCRA 001543 

SIPDIS

STATE FOR EB BIOTECH SPECIAL NEGOTIATOR PETER CHASE
STATE FOR EB/TPP/ABT/BTT
USDA FOR FAS/OA/BIOTECH/SIMMONS AND FAS/ICD

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO SENV ETRD ECON EAGR TBIO GH BIOTECHNOLOGY
SUBJECT: GHANA ADVANCES ITS BIOSAFETY FRAMEWORK

REF: A. 2003 ACCRA 2453

B. ACCRA 17

C. STATE 35894

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ACCRA 001543

SIPDIS

STATE FOR EB BIOTECH SPECIAL NEGOTIATOR PETER CHASE
STATE FOR EB/TPP/ABT/BTT
USDA FOR FAS/OA/BIOTECH/SIMMONS AND FAS/ICD

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO SENV ETRD ECON EAGR TBIO GH BIOTECHNOLOGY
SUBJECT: GHANA ADVANCES ITS BIOSAFETY FRAMEWORK

REF: A. 2003 ACCRA 2453

B. ACCRA 17

C. STATE 35894


1. Summary. Ghana is preparing a National Biosafety
Framework, in accordance with its responsibilities under the
Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety (reftels). On July 14,
Ghana's Biotech and Nuclear Agricultural Research Institute
(BNARI) hosted a stakeholder workshop to discuss the final
components of the framework. UNEP and the Global Environment
Facility are assisting Ghana in this effort to develop the
legal, technical, administrative and information framework to
address biosafety. End Summary.

Speakers Support Prudent Biotech Use
--------------

2. Ishmael Ashitey, Minister of State for Trade, Industry and
Presidential Special Initiatives, opened the seminar speaking
about the positive impact that a well-regulated biotechnology
sector would have for Ghana. Biotech would contribute to
Ghana's food supply by increasing farm yields, reducing
costs, improving the quality of products, and improving
environmental management of land and resources. Ashitey
challenged the scientists, business representatives and
government officials in attendance to develop the biosafety
framework to harness maximum benefit for Ghana. "If science
is kept in the labs," he warned, "it is of no use to the man
on the street."


3. In the keynote address, Food and Agriculture Minister
Major Courage Quashigah was generally positive about the
applications of biotech, but cautioned against its unforeseen
hazards. "Biotech is one weapon against hunger," he said,
"but as with other weapons that can backfire and harm the
user, biotech needs a safety catch." He spoke of possible
risks to biodiversity and human and animal health, and the
potential for greater resistance to antibiotics. In another
colorful analogy, he likened biotech use to war, where the
repercussions from chemical exposure or trauma may not appear
for years. He recognized that biotech, geared specifically
to Ghana's needs, could truly improve its food security and
nutrition, but warned that Ghana could find itself in a
position in the future where it would be dependent on buying
seeds from the "Gene Giants." He reiterated that Ghana has
already made the decision to "get on the train" with biotech,
but he supported starting now to prepare for unforeseen
circumstances.

Overview of Biosafety Framework
--------------

4. Alex Owusu-Biney, the National Project Coordinator for the
UNEP/GEF project to develop a National Biosafety Framework,
gave an overview of the components. (Note: Post can provide a
copy of the draft framework upon request.) The objective of
the framework is to promote research and development, but
also to avoid negligence, misuse, or irresponsibility. Ghana
followed UNEP guidelines and incorporated 5 key elements in
the current draft framework: 1) a government policy on
biosafety; 2) an administrative system; 3) a decision-making
body; 4) a monitoring and evaluation component; and 5) a
mechanism for public participation and information sharing.
The framework would apply both in Ghana and for transboundary
movement for all handling, transit and use of biotech.
Owusu-Biney recognized that no country has a foolproof
framework and stated that he expects the framework to evolve
over time.


5. Owusu-Biney was forthright about the challenges for the
project, especially since Ghana does not yet have a biotech
policy. There is a science and technology policy, which
contains a biotech component, but he argued that there is an
urgent need for separate biotech-specific policies.
Questions regarding labeling and the role of NGOs remain to
be answered, and there is confusion over how to reconcile
national policy with other international agreements and
guidelines. Owusu-Biney acknowledged that policy makers have
a lot of work to do, including building capacity, encouraging
public engagement, training decision-makers, and training
regulators to handle risk assessment.


6. Owusu-Biney and other drafters of the framework admitted
that this is a very technical issue and policy makers will
have to continue to engage Ghana's scientists in the
development of the biosafety framework and biotech policy.
Owusu-Biney emphasized that the workshop was an important
opportunity for all stakeholders to contribute to and become
involved in the process. (Comment: Econoff was the only
visible outsider at the workshop and Post was fortunate to
have an observer at this high-level working group. The
general theme of speakers echoed what we have heard in other
discussions: Ghana does not want to miss the boat on biotech,
but it also wants to ensure that it does not dive in without
mechanisms to regulate misuse. End Comment.)
YATES