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Ruling on Ghana’s GMO landmark case set for October 29

The case submitted by lead plaintiffs, Food Sovereignty Ghana (FSG) is seeking to place an injunction on the commercialization and release of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) in Ghana.

Members of Food Sovereignty Ghana

The Human Rights Court presided over by Sir Justice Dennis Adjei has set October 29, 2015 to give a ruling on the case of Ghana's Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

Legal counsel for lead plaintiffs Food Sovereignty Ghana, Lawyer Tetteh Wayoe informed the court of the wide interest both locally and internationally that the case was receiving.

He stressed the importance of adhering to the international laws and protocols that governed the novel biotechnology which results in the creation of genetically modified organisms.

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Lawyer Wayo stressed that the human rights and genuine interests of his clients means the injunction application he is seeking must be granted by the courts for the substantive case to begin.

The legal counsel for the second plaintiffs, the Convention People’s Party (CPP) prayed his Lordship to grant more time to submit an application for supplementary affidavit in support of the interlocutory injunction.

His request was, however, not granted citing a delay of proceedings.

It is the contention of FSG that Modern Biotechnology is a potent and novel technology that presents unique risks.

This means that whatever the perceived benefits seen in the advances in biotechnology, they must be developed and used with adequate safety measures for the environment and human health.

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This is why the international conventions regulating its safe use need to be respected, hence the application for the injunction.

The upcoming ruling will be a landmark decision since this is the first case of its kind to be brought before a High Court of the land.

With regards to the raging debate on the introduction of GMO’s into the country, this decision will certainly set a precedence for the way forward.

Meanwhile, the temporary ban on the release and commercialization of GMO in Ghana as sought by the injunction application continues to remain in force until ruled otherwise.

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