Kwame Dei Asamoah-Okyere has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer for the National Biosafety Authority (NBA).
The appointment was made by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, following the recommendation of the Governing Board of the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) and in consultation with the Public Services Commission.
Asamoah-Okyere succeeds Eric Amaning Okoree, the inaugural CEO, whose eight-year tenure ended in March 2024. Okoree is recognised for his significant contributions to laying the groundwork for biosafety regulations in Ghana.
Prior to his appointment, Mr. Asamoah-Okyere served as the Director of Business Development and International Partnerships at the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), where he worked for over 20 years.
During his time at the FDA, he played a key role in digital transformation and strengthening partnerships that enhanced the regulation of food and medical products both locally and internationally.
His connection to the NBA dates back to 2012, when he served on the first Technical Advisory Committee of the National Biosafety Committee, reviewing the initial confined field trial applications. He later became a member of the NBA’s inaugural Governing Board from 2015 to 2017, where he contributed to the Authority’s strategic planning and regulatory framework.
Mr. Asamoah-Okyere’s academic qualifications include a Master’s degree in Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology from Marche Polytechnic University, and a Master of Science in Food Biotechnology from the University of Strathclyde, among others.
In his new role as CEO of the NBA, Mr. Asamoah-Okyere is committed to enhancing biosafety regulations in Ghana by ensuring that research, development, and the application of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are conducted safely, with preventive measures in place to avoid unintended harm or contamination. His vision is to promote a result-oriented approach to biosafety, focusing on public safety and the responsible use of biotechnology in the country.
Click to get the full statement from the National Biosafety Authority
