A research scientist has tasked Ghanaian journalists to strive to build competency in biotechnology.

Dr Claude Fauquet of the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture said it is imperative that journalists are well-equipped to provide clear and unbiased scientific information about biotechnology issues, especially as it pertains to agriculture. He said this is necessary so that stakeholders could make informed-decisions on the future of agriculture in the face of changing climatic conditions, population growth, hunger, scarcity of land and poverty.

Dr Fauquet was addressing a day's seminar in Kumasi, designed to provide the media with the training and tools necessary to report on biotechnology and related issues in a factual scientific manner.

Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and United States Embassy organised the event, which was attended by participants drawn from the Ashanti, Brong-Ahafo, Eastern and Northern Regions.

The research scientist implored the media to regularly highlight the significance of biotechnology to enhance its adaptation in plant and animal breeding.

Dr Fauquet noted the technology is being applied widely for energy, industrial and medicinal purposes to advance the cause of humanity.

Professor Richard Akromah, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, advocated strong partnership between the media and academia for socio-economic and industrial growth.

Mr Listowell Bukarson, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the GJA, said science and technology remained the key to the nation's sustainable growth and so the association would explore avenues to upgrade the skills of members to facilitate accurate reportage on the subjects.