Given the high burden of malaria in Africa, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, research scientists from the region are collaborating with global counterparts to explore genetic solutions to combat malaria transmission both locally and globally.

Ghana has expressed interest in exploring gene drive technology, a genetic engineering technique that alters genes to defy the typical rules of inheritance.

 This technology significantly increases the chances that specific genes will be passed on to the next generation, enabling these genes to spread rapidly through a population and potentially override natural selection.

This interest was revealed at the Second Global Genetic Biocontrol Congress in Accra in partnership with the National Biosafety Authority, Ghana. 

It brought together scientists, researchers, and stakeholders from 24 institutions across 15 countries and was held under the theme: “Harnessing Genetic Biocontrol Potential Solutions in Changing Climate.”

In a statement, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Ghana’s Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, emphasized malaria as a “serious threat” and underscored its significant economic impact on Africa, where millions are spent annually on malaria control. 

He reassured that Ghana is committed to adopting emerging technologies to support disease prevention, including those affecting crops, as long as they do not pose a risk to human survival.

“Opposition to GMOs often stems from cultural and social concerns. However, the critical question is whether we should move forward with such technologies,” Dr. Muhammed stated.

He added “As long as they do not endanger our survival or cause adverse health effects, we are not opposed to them.”

Gene drive technology offers a promising new strategy to combat malaria by creating a “vaccine” for mosquitoes that prevents them from transmitting the disease. 

Scientists genetically modify mosquitoes to make them incapable of spreading malaria, and these modified mosquitoes are then released into the wild, where they breed with others. 

Over time, the genetic modification spreads through the population, and more mosquitoes become incapable of transmitting the disease.

Professor Fredros Okumu, a Public Health Researcher and Mosquito Biologist, emphasized the need for innovative, high-success solutions to fight malaria in Africa. 

He pointed out that current malaria vaccines, which require multiple doses, highlight the necessity for more effective tools. “We need new tools,” he said, “and gene drive technology could be the solution.”

Dr. Willy Tonui, Founder and Executive Director of the African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium, explained that the Congress served as a platform for collaboration among researchers, developers, and practitioners. He stressed that the event would foster cooperation and drive new scientific advancements, particularly with technologies like gene drive and Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility.

Dr. Misheck Mulumba, the Congress President, advocated for the One Health approach to disease control, arguing that it offers a more affordable and efficient strategy for addressing health challenges.

By Benedicta Gyimaah Folley

President John Mahama has given Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo 10 days to submit a preliminary response to three petitions demanding her removal from office.

The directive was contained in a letter signed by Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President. The Chief Justice requested copies of the petitions on Thursday, March 27.

This come on the back of petitions submitted by three individuals on February 14 and March 17, 2025, alleging misconduct and abuse of power.

According to the letter, President Mahama had initially written to Doe Adjaho, Chairman of the Council of State, on March 24, 2025, forwarding the petitions for consultation, as required under Article 146(6) of the Constitution.

“Following receipt of these petitions, on 24th March 2025, His Excellency wrote to the Chairman of the Council of State forwarding the petitions and informing Council that, in accordance with the consultation process required under Article 146(6), he intends, as an initial step, to send the petitions to you for your preliminary comments or response. On 27th March 2025, His Excellency received responses from the Chairman of the Council of State consenting to this request. Copies of these letters are also attached,” an excerpt of the President’s letter to the Chief Justice read.

The Council of State consented to this process on March 27, 2025, after which the petitions were sent to the Chief Justice for her comments.

However, the President also raised concerns over a leaked letter from Chief Justice Torkonoo, dated March 27, 2025, which was circulated on social media before he had the chance to review it.

The law that surrounds the removal of the Chief Justice is enshrined in Article 146 of the Constitution.

Article 146 – Removal Of Justices Of Superior Courts And Chairmen Of Regional Tribunals

1) A Justice of the Superior Court or a Chairman of a Regional Tribunal shall not be removed from office except for stated misbehaviour or incompetence or on ground of inability to perform the functions of his office arising from infirmity of Body or mind.

(2) A Justice of the Superior Court of Judicature or a Chairman of a Regional Tribunal may only be removed in accordance with the procedure specified in this article.

(3) If the President receives a petition for the removal of a Justice of a Superior Court other than the Chief Justice or for the removal of the Chairman of a Regional Tribunal, he shall refer the petition to the Chief Justice, who shall determine whether there is a prima facie case.

(4) Where the Chief Justice decides that there is a prima facie case, he shall set up a committee consisting of three Justices of the Superior Courts or Chairmen of the Regional Tribunals or both, appointed by the Judicial Council and two other persons who are not members of the Council of State, nor members of Parliament, nor lawyers, and who shall be appointed by the Chief Justice on the advice of the Council of State.

(5) The committee appointed under clause (4) of this article shall investigate the complaint and shall make its recommendations to the Chief Justice who shall forward them to the President.

(6) Where the petition is for the removal of the Chief Justice, the President shall, acting in consultation with the Council of State, appoint a committee consisting of two Justices of the Supreme Court, one of whom shall be appointed chairman by the President, and three other persons who are not members of the Council of State, nor members of Parliament, nor lawyers.

(7) The committee appointed under clause (6) of this article shall inquire into the petition and recommend to the President whether the Chief Justice ought to be removed from office.

(8) All proceedings under this article shall be held in camera, and the Justice or Chairman against whom the petition is made is entitled to be heard in his defence by himself or by a lawyer or other expert of his choice.

(9) The President shall, in each case, act in accordance with the recommendations of the committee.

(10) Where a petition has been referred to a committee under this article, the President may-

(a) in the case of the Chief Justice, acting in accordance with the advice of the Council of State, by warrant signed by him, suspend the Chief Justice;

(b) in the case of any other Justice of a Superior Court or of a Chairman of a Regional Tribunal, acting in accordance with the advice of the Judicial Council, suspend that Justice or that Chairman of a Regional Tribunal.

(11) The President may, at any time, revoke a suspension under this article.

Source: Myjoyonline.com