The Biosafety Ecosystem
Regulatory
Agencies.
To ensure an integrated approach to modern biotechnology, the Biosafety Act (Act 831) mandates the NBA to operate in conjunction with these critical national authorities.
Customs Division (GRA)
Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority
Monitors and controls the entry and exit points of the country. They ensure that all Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) entering Ghana have the required NBA permits and comply with border biosafety regulations.
Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Co-regulates environmental releases of GMOs. The EPA assesses environmental impact reports to ensure that biotechnology applications do not pose a threat to Ghana's natural ecosystems.
Food & Drugs Authority
Food & Drugs Authority, Ghana (FDA)
Ensures the safety, quality, and efficacy of food and drugs in Ghana. The FDA collaborates with the NBA to assess and monitor GM foods, feeds, and biological products for human and animal consumption.
Ghana Standards Authority
Ghana Standards Authority (GSA)
The national statutory body responsible for standards, metrology, and testing. GSA provides testing infrastructure and establishes national standards for biotechnology products and GMO detection.
PPRSD
Plant Protection & Regulatory Services Directorate
Operating under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, PPRSD regulates plant health, seed quality, and pesticide management, ensuring confined field trials of GM plants are strictly monitored.
Veterinary Services Directorate
Veterinary Services Directorate (VSD)
Safeguards animal health and public health from zoonotic diseases. The VSD works with the NBA to regulate the use of GM animals, veterinary biologics, and GM animal feed.
Ministry of Local Government
Min. of Local Govt. and Rural Development
Facilitates grassroots monitoring and compliance through Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), ensuring nationwide awareness and localized enforcement of biosafety protocols.
Institutional Synergy
Beyond these statutory bodies, the NBA is represented by certified Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs)in research and academic institutions conducting GMO research across Ghana, ensuring safety begins in the laboratory.
Contact The Secretariat