Ghana’s GMO Breakthrough: The Story of a New, Improved Cowpea

Last year, Ghana officially approved its first genetically modified (GM) crop, the Songotra-T cowpea, which solved a major agricultural problem. The legume pod borer, a pest of Southeast Asian origin, causes significant crop losses of up to 80%. However, Songotra-T is resistant, providing environmental and economic benefits. Field trials in northern Ghana demonstrated that the GM cowpea outperformed traditional varieties with higher yields and a 464% return on investment. Additionally, it reduced the need for insecticides by 80%, lowering costs and health risks. Ghana’s approval signals a growing acceptance of agricultural biotechnology in Africa, offering hope for addressing food insecurity. While challenges remain in seed distribution, Ghana’s move could inspire other African nations to adopt similar innovations.

The Conversation