Ghana: Call for Biofuels Policy

Analysts are concerned that the large scale land acquisition by foreign companies for the production of biofuel threatens the livelihood of local farmers as well as the environment.  According to Mr. David Eli of Food Security Policy and Advocacy Network (FoodSPAN), "There is no policy guideline by government. What will happen to our land, food security in future if we leave our land to the production of jatropha for fuel?" he inquired.

A latest study commissioned by ActionAid Ghana in collaboration with FoodSPAN on biofuel production in Ghana and its implications for livelihood and food security of small scale farmers, especially women, and the environment, revealed that the widespread practice of monoculture biofuel has caused destruction of forest with its effect on biodiversity.

It discovered that biofuel promotion in Africa is largely driven by foreign concerns with foreign interests largely to meet external demands on biofuel.

FoodSPAN argued that creating a comprehensive national policy on Biofuel production is vital if Ghana is to maintain control of its resources in the face of economically dominant foreign interests.  They also believe that relevant government agencies should work with traditional land owners on zoning and mapping lands in order to minimize competition between small scale local farmers and large multinational companies.

In addition to the social issues associated with biofuel production, FoodSPAN committee members also voiced their concerns about biofuel's impact on the environment, and called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that before projects are approved, there is proper environmental impact assessment.

"We are not even completely sure of the effects the production would have on the soil," said Anna Antwi, Coordinator for FoodSPAN and Right-to-Food Policy Advisor for ActionAid Ghana.  "This issue is just as important as any other development issue," said Ofosuhene Kwabena Okai of Obibimman Foundation. He added, "By creating a policy now the government of Ghana will be better equipped to avoid problems later."

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