Ghana's biotechnology sector is poised for growth, but regulatory uncertainty may undermine efforts to attract investment, according to Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology. She emphasised that investors are prepared to meet strict regulatory requirements but may be discouraged by unclear processes and timelines.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings made these remarks at the launch of the Biosafety and Biotechnology Expo (BBExpo) in Accra, organised by the National Biosafety Authority (NBA). The expo, scheduled for 2027, aims to bring together regulators, researchers, industry players, investors, students, and farmers to discuss biotechnology and its safe application.
The Minister urged Ghana to move beyond being a user of biotechnology products to becoming a producer and developer of its own technologies. Biotechnology is already being used in agriculture, healthcare, industry, and environmental management. A predictable regulatory system is crucial as Ghana pursues its ambition of becoming a hub for vaccine development and manufacturing in Africa.
Ghana is targeting the production of its first locally manufactured vaccine in 2027, and a regulatory system capable of supporting this ambition is needed. The establishment of the National Vaccine Institute under the National Vaccine Institute Act, 2023, has provided a foundation for building the country's capacity to research, develop, and manufacture vaccines locally.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings emphasised that a vaccine manufacturing hub requires scientific expertise, strong institutions, and a regulatory system that investors, researchers, technology partners, and the international community can trust. The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the NBA have different but related responsibilities in regulating biotechnology and vaccine development and should work together to provide clear processes for researchers and investors.
Ghana has laws governing biosafety, including the Biosafety Act, 2011 (Act 831), and the Biosafety Regulations (Management of Biotechnology), 2019 (L.I. 2383). In 2022, the NBA approved the environmental release and commercialisation of Ghana's first genetically modified crop, the pod borer-resistant Bt cowpea.
The Chief Executive Officer of the NBA, Mr Eric Dei, noted that the expo would address limited public understanding of biotechnology and biosafety regulations. He emphasised that some researchers are not fully aware of regulatory requirements, while limited public understanding of decision-making processes could undermine confidence in the system.
Key points
- Dr Agyeman-Rawlings calls for harmonised biotechnology regulations to attract investment.
- Ghana aims to produce its first locally manufactured vaccine in 2027.
- The Biosafety and Biotechnology Expo (BBExpo) will discuss biotechnology and its safe application.
