Ghana: Huge Row Over GMOs As Thousands Protest In Accra

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Farmer, labour unions, religious, political and civil society organisations took to the streets of Accra on 28th January to demonstrate against the adoption of the Plant Breeders’ Bill that is before the Parliament. The Bill is based on UPOV 1991, and following its adoption the Ghana government intended to ratify and become a member of the 1991 UPOV Convention. Farmer and civil society groups have expressed serious concern over the lack of public consultation, the content of the Bill (in particular the undermining of farmers’ rights and facilitating the entry of GMOs), and Ghana’s intention to join UPOV 1991. Civil society petitions and street protests has resulted in the Bill being referred to «the leadership of the House» for reconsideration.