Why my grandfather would hate the Monsanto law
Date: 26 November 2014
My grandfather (Paa-Kwasi) God rest his soul maybe spinning in his grave right now as I write! As a small-scale farmer, I believe he would not be pleased with the controversial ‘Plant Breeders Bill’, which those in power in Ghana are hoping pass as law. Significantly, this Bill which will commercialise farming in Ghana, will not protect small-scale farmers (like my grandfather’s) rights. Instead, it will benefit private multinational companies such as Monsanto, Coca Cola, Unilever and Diageo.
Ghana, as a member of the New Alliance for Food and Security, has committed to making changes to its seed laws. This means that the traditional practises of saving and exchanging seeds cannot be used because by law farmers will have to pay for seeds or face paying royalties. Bearing in mind that most farmers are poor, it seems unfair to have them restricted in this way.
The New Alliance is a pro-corporate programme backed by the UK government. As Ghanian descendents living in the UK, we can petition against the change in law which will disadvantage our vulnerable. Please partake in the action to stop the above injustice and do not just be a bystander.
Photo: My grandfather – Paa-Kwasi
