“Environment Minister-Designate to Assess the Safety of GMOs: What This Means for Your Food”

The future of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) is being closely examined to protect consumers. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, the Minister-designate for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, highlighted this during his vetting session in Accra.

He stated that the National Biosafety Authority will play a crucial role in evaluating GMO products before they hit the market. This careful review is necessary to make informed decisions about their safety.

While Mr. Muhammed isn’t pushing for a complete ban on GMOs, he insisted that thorough assessments are essential. He emphasized the importance of careful consideration before any actions are taken regarding these products.

In addition to GMO safety, he addressed environmental concerns, particularly the encroachment on Ramsar sites. Mr. Muhammed stressed that protecting these wetlands is vital to prevent negative impacts, like flooding in urban areas. He vowed to enforce laws against illegal construction in these protected areas, warning that such actions would not be tolerated under his leadership.

Illegal mining, known as galamsey, also caught his attention. He described its effects as serious and urged for a collaborative approach among various ministries to tackle environmental damage stemming from such activities.

On research funding, Mr. Muhammed brought up issues at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). He proposed that researchers using government resources should share profits with the state. This step would ensure that state resources benefit the public fairly.

Addressing waste management, he noted that both the government and citizens share responsibility. He advocated for public awareness campaigns about proper waste disposal and suggested providing households with two bins to sort their waste more effectively. Mr. Muhammed believes that better waste management can lead to improved health outcomes.

Looking to the future, he announced plans for renewable energy projects. If Parliament approves, he intends to roll out solar power systems in government buildings, which could help reduce debts owed to the Electricity Company of Ghana and ease the strain on the national power grid.

Additionally, Mr. Muhammed has committed to supporting farmers by making locally manufactured agricultural machinery more affordable. His goal is to enhance the appeal and efficiency of the agricultural sector.

With a strong focus on enforcing environmental laws, he aims to work with industries to address activities that harm the environment. Mr. Muhammed is dedicated to promoting sustainable practices to preserve biodiversity and ensure a healthy environment for future generations.

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