The United States Embassy, Accra, in collaboration with the Faculty of Agriculture of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, organized a public lecture on the theme: "Agricultural Biotechnology: Ghana, U.S. and International Perspectives" on Monday, 23rd August, 2010, at the Faculty of Agriculture Lecture Theatre on KNUST campus.
The interactive seminar was orchestrated under the auspices of Faculty of Agriculture, KNUST, Kumasi. As a result, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Armstrong Donkoh, chaired the august event. Admittedly, the audience, comprising freshmen, continuing students, post graduate students and lecturers were mesmerized by the introduction of the host and guest speakers respectively, by the Dean of the Faculty
After his acceptance and welcome address, Prof. Donkoh, proceeded to give an introduction to Agricultural Biotechnology. Subsequently, he invited the first speaker, Dr. Richard Akromah, a lecturer at the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, who gave a remarkable lecture on the theme illustrated in PowerPoint presentation. Dr. Gary Blumenthal, a U.S. Biotechnology Expert, who also doubles as President and Chief Executive Officer of World Perspectives' Incorporated, was the second speaker.
As part of his presentation, Dr. Akromah, defined Biotechnology as "The application of living organisms or parts of organisms to improve, modify or produce products for specific uses." He also added that biotechnology plays a significant role in breeding process such as artificial insemination, especially for species that are unable to cross easily. Advanced nations currently practising this technology magnificently are the United States, China, Argentina and Canada, he disclosed.
"Regrettably, some people shun Genetically Manufactured Crops (GMC), perhaps, because they are ignorant of the process. Some countries discourage the technology of Genetically Manufactured Crops simply because they have other alternatives", he noted. Dr. Akromah also advised that the use of agro-chemicals should rather be reduced; however, such chemicals are more harmful to indigenous farmers who use them without employing the essential safety measures.
Dr. Akromah pointed out that Egypt, Burkina Faso and South Africa are the few countries in Africa, known for practising agricultural biotechnology. He specifically supported this statement with Genetically Manufactured Crops such as golden rice. Prior to his last remarks, Dr. Akromah, assured students from his Department to perceive the lecture as the preparation grounds for their studies.
On the part of Dr. Gary Blumenthal, he briefly reviewed Dr. Akromah's lecture to buttress his presentation since both Speakers touched on the same theme. The invited Speaker from the United States shared his experiences, having visited and contributed immensely to about sixty (60) different countries in the area of agriculture. He estimated that by 2013, most developing countries in the world would adopt the practice of biotechnology. He emphatically lamented that, Ghana tends to be deficient in plant and animal protein.
The American Biotechnology expert, stipulated that agricultural biotechnology would enable Ghana to generate more income and increase productivity in the agriculture sector, considering that majority of Ghanaians are into crop production. Dr. Blumenthal also added that, the technology is usually subsidized for developing countries; the cassava technology, was, for example awarded to Africa.
In line with the programme schedule, undergraduates, post graduate students and lecturers who were at the function had the opportunity to ask questions and make contributions with respect to the theme.
The Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Dr. JVK Afun, on behalf of the Faculty expressed his appreciation to all and sundry whose presence and contribution made the seminar a complete success. He subsequently encouraged the use of biotechnology in the agricultural sector of Ghana.
