Genetically modified organisms and the age of (Un) reason? A critical examination of the rhetoric in the GMO public policy debates in Ghana

摘要: Abstract Using narrative policy analysis we examined the adversarial rhetoric of claims-makers in their bid to undermine alternative and conflicting accounts GMOs as environmental human health risk forestall any challenges scientific authority technological deterministic account GMO debates Ghana. The study shows that discourse was built with rhetorical frames smallholder farmer vulnerability entitlement used it contradicts, thereby legitimating its own appeal for responsive remedies. Civil society claims attacked discriminatory an risk. Government scientists engaged unsympathetic counter strategies hopes debunking or neutralizing claim made by civil society. In other words, were denying posed significant risk, well call action do something about GMOs. adapted insincerity, claiming had some kind “hidden agenda” behind claim, such eagerness just earn money from patents on It is imperative communication includes underlying assumptions, uncertainties probabilities associated both best worst case scenarios. This a necessary condition minimise misinformation but may be insufficient completely erase conspiracy theories minds public especially when government are perceived biased towards multinational corporations ostensibly preoccupied making profits.