Media coverage of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has significantly influenced public perception of this technology. A study published in GM Crops & Food explores the evolution of media reportage on GMOs in Ghana following the approval of Bt cowpea, the country’s first genetically modified crop, in 2022.
The study analyzed GMO stories reported by three major digital news outlets in Ghana from January 2021 to December 2023. Using eight keywords—GMO, GMOs, GM foods, GM crops, biotech crops, biotechnology crops, genetically modified crops, and genetically-engineered crops—researchers identified relevant articles. Over the three-year period, the researchers collected 91 GMO-focused articles from these media outlets.