The Honourable Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has launched the 2027 Biosafety and Biotechnology Expo (BBExpo), hosted by the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) at the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana, Accra.
The Expo, held on Tuesday, 6th October 2026, is being organised under the theme, “Biosafety Regulation as a Catalyst for Modern Biotechnology Investment in Ghana.” It brings together stakeholders from government, academia, research institutions, industry, and other relevant sectors to explore the opportunities and responsibilities associated with the development and application of modern biotechnology.
Launching the Expo, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings underscored the importance of creating an enabling environment in which science, technology, and innovation can contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s development. The Minister’s participation highlights the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the link between scientific research, effective regulation, innovation, and national development.
The Expo provides a platform for stakeholders to showcase biotechnology-related research, innovations, and emerging opportunities, while promoting public understanding of biosafety and the responsible application of biotechnology. It further creates an avenue for researchers, innovators, regulators, and industry players to engage on how Ghana can harness modern biotechnology while ensuring the protection of human health, the environment, and biodiversity.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Biosafety Authority, Mr. Kwame Dei Asamoah-Okyere, highlighted the critical role of effective biosafety regulation in building public confidence and creating an environment conducive to biotechnology development and investment. He emphasised the need for science and innovation to be supported by strong regulatory systems that safeguard public health and the environment while enabling responsible technological advancement.
Mr. Asamoah-Okyere noted that Ghana’s biosafety regulatory system has continued to evolve, with the National Biosafety Authority playing a central role in assessing and regulating activities involving modern biotechnology. The Authority’s work includes ensuring that biotechnology products and applications undergo appropriate scientific and regulatory assessment before approval. Recent national reporting has also highlighted Ghana’s progress in moving from developing a biosafety framework to operating a functional regulatory system.
The CEO further stressed the importance of collaboration among regulators, researchers, academia, industry, and other stakeholders in strengthening Ghana’s biotechnology ecosystem. Such collaboration, he noted, is essential to ensuring that innovation is responsibly translated into solutions that can support sectors such as agriculture, food security, health, environmental management, and industrial development.
The launch of the BBExpo marks an important platform for advancing conversations on the future of biotechnology in Ghana. It reinforces the need for effective regulation to work alongside research, innovation, and investment to unlock the potential of modern biotechnology for sustainable national development.
The Expo is expected to continue providing opportunities for knowledge-sharing, stakeholder engagement, and the promotion of responsible biotechnology applications in Ghana.
