Harmonise biotech regulations to attract investment – Minister
THE Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has called for the harmonisation of regulatory frameworks governing biotechnology to attract the investment needed to grow the sector. She said regulatory uncertainty could undermine efforts to attract investment into Ghana’s growing biotechnology industry. “Investors are prepared to meet strict regulatory…
Ghanaian Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has urged for the harmonization of biotechnology regulatory frameworks to attract investment needed for sector growth. Regulatory uncertainty could discourage investors, she stated, as they may be unsure about which institution to approach, meeting requirements, and approval timelines.
Speaking at the Biosafety and Biotechnology Expo launch, the Minister emphasized that regulation is not an investment deterrent, but uncertainty is. The expo, organized by the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), aims to bring together stakeholders for biosafety regulation as a catalyst for biotechnology investment. The two-day event, set to commence in 2027, will showcase biotechnology applications in agriculture, healthcare, industry, and environmental management.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings highlighted the importance of becoming producers and developers of biotechnology technologies rather than merely users. The establishment of the National Vaccine Institute under the National Vaccine Institute Act, 2023, marks a foundation for local vaccine production. Ghana aims to manufacture its first locally produced vaccine in 2027 and needs a regulatory system to support this ambition.
The Minister also stressed the collaboration between the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the NBA to establish clear processes for researchers and investors.
Written by urgent.news from Ghanaian Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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