The use of genetically modified organism (GMO) in Ghana is governed by the Biosafety Act, 2011 (Act 831) to ensure adequate protection of the environment and biological diversity taking also into consideration risk to human and animal health. The Act established the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) to administer the legislation.
Prior to the Act, GMO use was regulated by the Biosafety (Management of Biotechnology) Regulations, 2007 (LI 1887), which covers the conduct of research on GMO use in containment (laboratory enclosure or greenhouse) and confinement (in the field and under limited environmental exposure). Act 831 stipulates that LI1887 shall continue to be enforced until regulations to the Act are made.
In addition, Ghana is a signatory to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety under the Convention on Biological Diversity (ratified in 2003) that regulates the transboundary movement of GMOs.
These Guidelines are issued by the NBA in accordance with Section 40(3) of the Act. “Despite subsections (1) and (2), the Authority may issue guidelines in respect of the matters referred to in subsections (1) and (2)”.
The Guidelines provide greater detail on the requirements for the submission of an application and its review for a decision by the NBA to issue or refuse the permit under stated reasons.

Scope: The Guidelines cover procedures for submitting applications, procedures for administrative handling and decision making, and the terms and conditions that may be imposed on an approval, as well as the responsibility of the applicant, and confidentiality