Accra: Madam Flora Christine Amagloh, Food Scientist at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI), has affirmed that the Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) cowpea is nutritionally equivalent to the conventional cowpea variety, Songotra. She clarified that the genetic modification in the PBR cowpea was not intended to change its nutritional attributes, and thorough analyses have shown no significant differences in macro and micronutrient content between the two varieties.

According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Amagloh’s remarks came during a New Media workshop in Accra, organized by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Ghana Chapter for the New Media Association of Ghana. The event, aimed at bloggers and social media influencers, focused on the role of biotechnology in boosting food security and aiding smallholder farmers across the nation. It served to clarify misconceptions about agricultural biotechnology, emphasizing the benefits of the locally developed PBR cowpea by CSIR.

Madam Amagloh noted that beyond laboratory testing, sensory evaluations were also performed to assess differences in taste, appearance, aroma, texture, and overall acceptability. Dishes made from both cowpea varieties, including waakye, kose, and tubani, were indistinguishable to panellists. She highlighted the importance of involving influencers to correct widespread misconceptions about genetically modified foods on social media, urging them to promote accurate information.

Mr. Enoch Ilori, Project Officer of OFAB Ghana, reiterated that the engagement aimed to discuss genetic modification with a focus on the PBR cowpea. OFAB serves as a bridge between scientists and stakeholders, fostering a better understanding of biotechnology and its potential benefits for Ghanaians, especially smallholder farmers. The session sought to equip influencers and bloggers with factual knowledge to counter misinformation about biotechnology.

Mr. Jibriel Suliah, Secretary of the New Media Association, Ghana, shared that prior to the engagement, many bloggers and media practitioners held misconceptions about GMOs, associating them with artificial ripening. The session provided clarity on the science of genetic modification, demonstrating that GMOs are developed through rigorous research to ensure safe and healthy food.

Suliah pledged to use his platform to educate his audience on social media, helping to dispel myths about biotechnology. He expressed confidence that his colleagues in the New Media Association who attended the session will also play a role in addressing misinformation and reshaping public perceptions.