What We've Approved
In accordance with the Biosafety Act, 2011 (Act 831), the National Biosafety Authority is committed to absolute transparency. We publish records of all authorized activities involving Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and products of modern biotechnology in Ghana.
Evidence-Based Authorizations
Every approval granted by the NBA is the result of rigorous, science-based risk assessments conducted by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to ensure safety for human health, animal health, and the environment.
Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) Cowpea (Event 709A)
Developing Institution: CSIR - Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI)
Genetically modified cowpea engineered to provide resistance against the Maruca vitrata pod borer pest, significantly reducing chemical pesticide sprays and improving farm yields in Ghana.
Categories of Approved Activities
Environmental / Commercial Release
GMOs that have been fully assessed and approved for general environmental release and commercial cultivation by Ghanaian farmers.
Approved Event:
- Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) Cowpea (Event 709A)
Confined Field Trials (CFTs)
Experimental field trials of GM crops conducted under strictly controlled and monitored confinement conditions to gather local agronomical and safety data.
Active Field Trials Include:
- Nitrogen Use Efficient (NEWEST) Rice — CSIR Crops Research Institute (CRI)
Contained Use
Research and diagnostic activities involving GMOs that are securely restricted within certified laboratories or glasshouses to prevent environmental exposure.
- Academic research in certified university & institute labs
- Biomedical and molecular diagnostic research
Imports for FFP
Authorized genetically modified commodities imported directly for Food, Feed, and Processing (FFP). These are strictly for consumption or processing, not for planting.
- Bulk grain imports for livestock and poultry feed
- Processed food products containing GM ingredients
The Official GMO Register
Want to see the exact details of every permit we have issued? Our public GMO Register contains comprehensive documentation, decision documents, and risk assessment summaries for all approved activities.