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COA-72 is not approved by FDA for clinical trials for HIV – COARMLC

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COA Research and Manufacturing Limited Company (COARMLC) has officially denied claims suggesting that its product, COA-72, is undergoing clinical trials as an anti-HIV drug. The company says the widely circulated report, published by the Daily Graphic on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, was inaccurate and did not reflect the facts shared during a recent visit by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health to its facilities.

In a statement signed by management and released on Monday, July 28, 2025, COARMLC described the media coverage as misleading and reiterated its commitment to upholding scientific truth, regulatory procedures, and honest communication with the Ghanaian public and global partners.

“The publication misrepresented our position. Nowhere did we state that COA-72 is in active clinical trials for HIV treatment,” the company stressed. “We are compelled to issue this clarification to prevent the public from being misled and to reaffirm our integrity as a science-driven institution.”

The controversy stems from a working visit by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health to COARMLC’s facilities on Monday, July 14, 2025. While the engagement was meant to showcase ongoing research initiatives, COARMLC says the Daily Graphic article wrongly interpreted the interaction to suggest that COA-72 had entered official clinical trial stages.

Following the publication, COARMLC promptly contacted Daily Graphic, leading to a rejoinder published on Thursday, July 17, 2025. The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) Ghana also stepped in, issuing a disclaimer confirming that no clinical trial on COA-72 for HIV treatment had been approved further validating COARMLC’s position.

“We commend the FDA for their swift response in correcting the public narrative,” the statement read.

The company further clarified that its founder and CEO, Mr. Samuel Ato Duncan, shared his long-standing vision of finding a natural solution to HIV during the committee’s visit. “On November 30, 2005, Mr. Duncan publicly committed to researching a natural cure for HIV. That dream has informed nearly two decades of plant-based pharmaceutical work,” the company explained.

This research has birthed several products COA Mixture, COA Plus, COA-MT, and COA Capsules but none of these, nor COA-72, are currently approved for HIV treatment.

COARMLC said COA-72 is a new formulation that has shown encouraging potential in pre-clinical and internal studies. According to the company, COA-72 may possess antiviral and anticancer properties, but it has not entered formal, FDA-sanctioned clinical trials.

“At no time did we state that COA-72 is undergoing FDA-approved clinical trials. What we did do was introduce the product as a promising development and appeal for support to begin formal investigations,” the statement emphasised.

The company estimates that if COA-72 proves successful through official trials, it could contribute as much as $76.8 billion annually to Ghana’s economy and create thousands of jobs.

In 2019, COARMLC formally applied to the FDA to initiate clinical trials on COA-72. The application was acknowledged via a letter dated October 29, 2019, under reference FDA/SMC/CTD/CTA/19/0059, which outlined the prerequisites for initiating clinical testing. However, the company has yet to meet all the conditions required to proceed.

“Though preliminary studies, both local and international, have yielded promising results such as HIV viral load reduction and, in some cases, viral clearance, these outcomes must not be misconstrued as clinical evidence,” COARMLC said. “They do not replace the need for formal FDA-approved clinical research.”

Reaffirming its commitment, COARMLC stressed that it is aligned with all regulatory bodies and international best practices. “We remain dedicated to working with the FDA, WHO, and qualified research institutions to advance COA-72 responsibly. Public trust and regulatory compliance are not optional they are non-negotiable,” the company concluded.

COARMLC expressed regret over any public confusion caused by the misreporting and called for responsible journalism moving forward.

Below is the full press release issued by the company:

COA RESEARCH AND MANUFACTURING LIMITED COMPANY SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON COA-72 CLINICAL TRIALS

The management of COA Research and Manufacturing Limited Company (COA-RMLC) wishes to clarify recent media reports regarding the status of COA-72, following a publication in the Daily Graphic on Wednesday, 16th July 2025, headlined: “COA-72 undergoes clinical trials as anti-HIV drug.”
This statement is issued to address misinformation contained in the said article and to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to scientific integrity, regulatory compliance, and transparent communication with the public.

On Monday, 14th July 2025, the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health paid a working visit to COARMLC’s facilities. During the visit, management engaged with committee members on the company’s ongoing research and development efforts. Unfortunately, the subsequent media reportage by the Daily Graphic inaccurately suggested that COA-72 is currently undergoing clinical trials for HIV treatment.
To address this, COARMLC notified Daily Graphic regarding the wrong reportage and a rejoinder was issued, which was published in the Daily Graphic on Thursday, 17th July 2025.
We appreciate the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) Ghana for further issuing a disclaimer affirming that no such clinical trial involving COA-72 has been approved for HIV treatment, which aligns with COARMLC’s position.

During the interaction with the committee members, COARMLC’s Founder and CEO, Mr. Samuel Ato Duncan, shared the personal and professional journey that has driven the company’s research initiatives:

  • On 30th November 2005, Mr. Duncan publicly committed to pursuing a natural cure for HIV.
  • This vision led to extensive research in plant-based medicine and the development of key products, including COA Mixture, COA Plus Mixture, COA-MT Mixture, and COA Capsules.
  • While these products are not intended or approved for HIV treatment, the research laid the foundation for the development of COA-72, a new formulation believed based on preliminary studies to have properties that may fight viral infections and cancers.

At no point during the meeting with the Parliamentary Select Committee did COARMLC claim that COA-72 was undergoing FDA-approved clinical trials. Rather, management took the opportunity to:

  • Introduce COA-72 as a promising formulation based on internal and collaborative research findings.
  • Highlight the need for further, scientifically rigorous studies.
  • Appeal for government and institutional support to initiate formal clinical trials, which require significant investment and technical resources.
    COARMLC believes that if proven effective through proper clinical trials, COA-72 has the potential to contribute an estimated $76.8 billion annually to Ghana’s economy and create thousands of jobs.

To clarify the regulatory engagement:

  • In 2019, COARMLC submitted a formal application to the FDA requesting to initiate clinical trials on COA-72.
  • The FDA acknowledged receipt of this application via a letter dated 29th October 2019 (ref FDA/SMC/CTD/CTA/19/0059) titled: “ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: APPLICATION FOR ANTI HIV/AIDS CLINICAL ON COA-72.”
    This letter outlined the necessary steps to begin the clinical trial process, including partnerships with accredited research institutions, medical professionals, and adherence to internationally recognised protocols.
    To date, COARMLC has not fully satisfied the FDA’s requirements for approval to commence these clinical trials.

COARMLC wishes to categorically state:

  • The company has never claimed that FDA approval has been granted for clinical trials on COA-72.
  • Pre-clinical and pilot studies, including those conducted in Ghana and at reputable institutions outside the country, have shown promising results, including significant reductions in HIV viral load, and in some cases, complete viral clearance following various modes of administration.
  • These preliminary findings are not substitutes for formal FDA-approved clinical trials.

COARMLC remains steadfast in its commitment to:

  • Uphold all regulatory requirements and best practices as outlined by the FDA, WHO, and other international health bodies.
  • Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to secure the support and funding necessary to advance COA-72 through formal clinical trials.
  • Maintain honest, respectful, and transparent dialogue with the Ghanaian public and the global health community.

We deeply regret any confusion caused by the miscommunication in the media and trust that this statement provides the necessary clarity. COARMLC remains focused on its mission to innovate responsibly in the field of plant-based medicine for the benefit of public health and national development.

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The East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation (EWS-KT) Centre in Duayaw Nkwanta is key to empower Smallholder farmers

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The East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation has inaugurated a new knowledge transfer centre in Duayaw Nkwanta in the Ahafo Region, with the goal of empowering smallholder farmers through hands-on training and sustainable modern agricultural practices.

The initiative forms part of the Foundation’s broader effort to improve vegetable farming across Ghana, transforming it into a viable business venture for thousands of rural farmers.

At the opening ceremony, Kwadwo Donkor, Program Lead at East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation, underscored the importance of the “Transforming Vegetable Farming as a Business” project, which he described as pivotal in enhancing the skills and knowledge of farmers involved in vegetable cultivation.

He explained that the newly established knowledge transfer centre will serve as a hub for practical learning, where farmers and agricultural stakeholders can receive in-depth training on best practices and modern techniques in vegetable farming.

“This learning farm site is more than just a demonstration field. It is a place where knowledge meets practice, where farmers can engage directly with experts and learn through hands-on experience,” Mr. Donkor stated. “Our approach is centered around farmer-led demonstration farms, which have proven highly effective in promoting sustainable farming methods and increasing productivity.”

Since its implementation in November 2023, the project has operated across 14 districts in Ghana. With a four-year extension now secured, the initiative is set to expand its reach, aiming to train nearly 40,000 farmers in the Ahafo, Bono, Bono East, and Northern Regions. Mr. Donkor revealed that over 10,000 farmers have already benefited from the training, gaining access to crucial knowledge and resources needed to turn vegetable farming into a profitable enterprise.

“Our operations span selected districts in the Ahafo, Bono, and Bono East regions,” he noted. “The goal is to make vegetable farming more commercially viable for smallholder farmers, ensuring they can increase their incomes while contributing to national food security.”

The model of farmer-led demonstration farms, according to Donkor, is helping to bridge the gap between theory and practice, making it easier for farmers to adopt improved agricultural techniques. The emphasis on practical learning ensures that the knowledge imparted is immediately applicable on the ground, increasing the chances of long-term success for participating farmers.

Representing the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Marian Armoo, Agriculture Officer at the Embassy, delivered remarks on behalf of the Ambassador, H.E. Jeroen Verheul. She commended East-West Seed knowledge Transfer Foundation for its efforts in strengthening Ghana’s horticultural sector and noted that the new centre marks a meaningful advancement in the bilateral partnership between the Netherlands and Ghana.

“The opening of this knowledge transfer site is a significant step forward in the strong and evolving relationship between our two countries a relationship built on mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared vision for sustainable development,” she said.

Armoo highlighted the broad scope of agricultural support the Dutch Embassy provides in Ghana, ranging from horticulture and cocoa production to seed systems development and sustainable nature management. She also stressed the critical role that quality seeds play in transforming agriculture and securing food systems.

“Quality seeds are the foundation of successful farming,” she remarked. “They determine crop yields, climate resilience, and nutritional value. By making improved, high-yielding, and climate-resilient seed varieties available such as those showcased here by East-West Seed—we equip farmers with the tools they need to increase productivity, boost incomes, and enhance food and nutrition security.”

The Dutch Embassy has been a key partner in Ghana’s agricultural development, and its support for initiatives like the one at Duayaw Nkwanta underscores the shared commitment to achieving long-term food sustainability and economic empowerment through agriculture.

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Farmers eulogised East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation as “wealth in agriculture” for their major contribution in the agriculture sector

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Farmers at the Bono regions; Bono East, Bono and Ahafo regions have eulogised the East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation for the good seeds distribution and the capacity building the foundation has bequeathed them.

It is undeniable that to reap bumper harvest, one needs land, good agricultural practises and quality seeds and the farmers have eulogised the foundation of these factors of production.

Attesting to this, Otuo Acheampong, a vegetable farmer from Chiraa, a town in Bono Region said farming with low quality seeds over the years nearly killed his passion for agriculture.

According to him, he was rescued by East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation when officer Simon introduced him to their right quality seeds namely cabbage, onions and cucumber together with the good agricultural practices.

“Upon my many years in this business, I was failing because I was not getting the right seed varieties, but when I met East-West’s officer called Simon, he introduced me to modern agronomic practices to vegetable farming, and I must say this has improved my yield”, he said.

He mentioned that due to the introduction of the modern agronomical practices to the effect of yields,, market women now come to his farm to purchase the cucumber and other vegetables due to its long lifespan…. “I had more yields due to the modern agronomic practices and when I went to the market my colleague farmers were impressed because of the variety long lifespan.

With the other varieties like the onion and cabbage, I did not encounter any issues and due to the high yields, I made a lot of income from my 2 acres of vegetable farm, so I commend East-West seed varieties to every farmer. They are the game changer”, he added.

Justice Koran, a farmer from Berekum West shared that planting from farm proceeds results in low yields. He could cultivate 2- or 3-acres land of vegetables but would harvest just a few.

However, patronising East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation has transformed him, he could harvest 3 times products on an acre of land than what I used to harvest on 2 or 3-acres of land.

To him, the training from the East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation has equipped him to generate more revenue on half acre of land as compare to 3 or 4 acre of land he use to farm.

He called on all vegetable farmers to actively patronise East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation to enhance their knowledge based-farming to improve their livelihoods.

To balance the gender, Madam Mavis Animwaa, a residence at Duayaw Nkwanta said the training from the Foundation has enlightened her.

Although she entered farming not long, the training has made farming easier coupling with quality seeds.

She encouraged the women farmers to call on East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation for easy and accessible quality seeds for wealth.

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Cocobod warns of production drop amid heavy rains

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The cocoa regulator, Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), said on Tuesday that increased disease incidence caused by prolonged rainfall and not enough sunlight could lead to a moderate production decline.

This was after farmers called for state intervention to mitigate the impact of bad weather.

Ghana, the world’s second-biggest cocoa producer, has seen output fall in previous seasons due to diseases, adverse weather conditions and rampant illegal gold mining, which destroys cocoa plantations and reduces yields.

An association of Ghanaian farmers warned last week that cooler temperatures, excessive rainfall, and not enough sunlight had reduced yields and raised the risk of fungal diseases, including black pod disease.

That in turn could blow a hole in farmers’ incomes and cause long-term damage, it said in a statement.

“We visited these 72 cocoa growing districts and we witnessed fungi being spotted on the various cocoa trees due to the climate conditions,” Nana Oboadie Bonsu, the farmers’ association’s president, told Reuters.

In response to the concerns raised by the association, the Ghanaian regulator COCOBOD said it had intensified mass spraying and disease control programmes.

“While it is too early to provide definitive figures for the current season, preliminary assessments suggest that production may see a moderate decline compared to earlier projections,” the regulator told Reuters.

COCOBOD also said it aims to complete the planned distribution of fungicides before the peak harvest period to minimise yield losses.

COCOBOD data showed in May that Ghana was likely to miss its output target of 650,000 metric tons for the 2024/25 season.

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CSIR Engages Agric Minister to Drive “Feed Ghana” Agenda Forward

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The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) met with the Hon. Eric Opoku, Minister for Food and Agriculture, (MOFA) at his office in Accra to discuss strategic support for the Government’s flagship Feed Ghana Initiative.

CSIR, led by the Deputy Director-General, Prof. Marian D. Quain, presented an overview of CSIR’s work and ongoing partnerships with MOFA.The Directors and Deputy Directors from nearly all 13 CSIR institutes were in attendance.

During the meeting, the Director, Prof. Maxwell Darko Asante, outlined key areas where CSIR will contribute to the initiative:

✅ Establishing commercial farms through our institutional farming programme.

✅ Providing technical support to schools and institutions practicing agriculture.

✅ Recommending improved crop varieties and producing high-quality seeds to reduce imports.

✅ Building the capacity of farmer groups nationwide

CSIR was thrilled to hear that the Minister had already introduced CRI-AGYAPA—our newly released, high-performing rice variety—to his constituency, where farmers have hailed it as “the best they’ve ever cultivated.”

The meeting concluded with the development of a roadmap to transform these proposals into action. Together, we’re sowing the seeds for a stronger, more resilient agricultural future for Ghana.

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You have 21 days to vacate Agric, Fisheries Ministry lands at Osu – gov’t told land encroachers

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The government of Ghana has given a 21-day ultimatum to individuals occupying state lands belonging to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development at Osu in the Greater Accra Region to vacate the premises.

According to Clemence Gyato, a government-appointed consultant tasked with reclaiming encroached state lands, the area was originally allocated to drivers of the two ministries as residential quarters.

However, after the drivers vacated, the land was taken over by unauthorized occupants.

On Monday, July 14, 2025, Gyato, accompanied by a team of security officials, stormed the premises to distribute the official notices to residents.

“This is government property, and it was never meant for private occupation. We are giving 21 days for everyone to leave peacefully before further action is taken,” Gyato stated while serving the eviction notices.

Clemence Gyato officials emphasised that the land will be reclaimed after the ultimatum expires.

Some residents admitted to living there illegally but appealed to the government for an extension of the deadline.

“We know we are not supposed to be here, but 21 days is too short. We need more time to find a place to move to, one resident pleaded.

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FAO to support Ghana’s agricultural transformation agenda

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Ghana’s Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has held a bilateral meeting with the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Dr QU Dongyu, at the FAO Headquarters in Rome, on the sidelines of the 44th Session of the FAO Conference.

The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between Ghana and the FAO in key areas of agricultural development.

Opoku outlined Ghana’s commitment to adding value to cash crops such as cocoa, cashew, and shea, as part of a broader strategy to boost exports, create jobs, and enhance farmer incomes.

He also highlighted government efforts to establish Farmer Service Centres and to improve the deployment and capacity of agricultural extension officers, ensuring that farmers receive timely and effective technical support.

Opoku emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving sustainable agricultural growth and food security.

On food production, the Minister expressed the government’s intention to increase tomato cultivation and called for enhanced research into underutilised crops such as cassava, which play a crucial role in Ghana’s food systems.

Eric Opoku also appealed for increased investment in irrigation infrastructure to ensure year-round agricultural production across the country.

He lauded the FAO for supporting the rehabilitation and upgrading of the soil testing laboratory in Kumasi to international standards, describing it as a critical facility for improving soil health and boosting crop productivity.

The Minister further requested continued collaboration with the FAO to provide cold storage facilities for yam and other perishable crops to reduce post-harvest losses.

Additionally, the minister appealed for the appointment of more qualified Ghanaians to senior leadership positions within the FAO, reflecting Ghana’s commitment to contributing to global agricultural development.

In response, Director-General QU Dongyu pledged the FAO’s continued support for Ghana’s agricultural sector.

He assured the Minister of the organisation’s readiness to assist in addressing post-harvest losses, mechanising boreholes for irrigation, and supporting innovation-driven solutions to improve productivity.

He also directed the FAO Regional Representative for Africa, Dr Abebe Haile-Gabriel, to initiate the necessary processes for the implementation of irrigation infrastructure, value addition initiatives, and other critical services to enhance food production in Ghana.

The meeting underscored Ghana’s strategic push for agricultural transformation through innovation, value addition, and stronger international partnerships.

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The media contribution in agrifood sector is key to strengthening agrifood system and increasing investment on the continent – AGRA.

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The media is the fourth arms of government that contribute immensely to the development of the nation by educating the public on all manner of issues. However, how often do the media highlight agrifood systems in Ghana?

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MoFA call on stakeholders and the general public to DEBUNK the Expression of Interest for the Agriculture Small and Micro Enterprises Grant Initiatives 2025.

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The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has issued a disclaimer on a recent circulation of a publication on social media platforms with the caption “EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR THE AGRICULTURE SMALL AND MICRO ENTERPRISES GRANT INITIATIVES 2025″.

In a press release issued on 24th June, 2025 by the Ministry, the publication with the said caption sought to invite players in the Agriculture value chain to apply for a non-existing initiative.

The Ministry is calling on the sector players and the general public to note that the link and the content of the said publication are false and intended to deceive unsuspecting Ghanaians.

The Ministry has not called for any such expression of interest.

The General Public is hereby entreated to contact the Ministry’s Public Relations Unit for clarification on issues relating to the Ministry.

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Ghana’s economic growth lies on production, not consumption – Deputy agric minister

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The Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Hon. John Dumelo underscored the need for Ghana to transmute from a consumption-driven economy to a production-driven economy to achieve greater national efficiency and long-term economic stability.

Speaking at the Ghana-China Business Summit in Accra on Monday, June 23, 2025, Dumelo underscored the importance of increasing agricultural productivity and value addition as key components of this shift.

“To feed our industries and to export is good, and adding value before we export is even better. But what we really need is efficiency, efficiency in maximising the use of the land we have. We must prioritize efficiency when it comes to agriculture,” he stated.

Dumelo noted that a production-focused economic model would drive job creation, support local businesses, and improve Ghana’s food security and export capabilities.

He also emphasised that the country’s economic resilience depends on building a strong foundation in agriculture and industrial production.

The Deputy Minister further called for innovative partnerships with technologically advanced countries, particularly China, to help modernise Ghana’s agricultural sector.

“That’s why it’s important to partner with countries like China to help us maximise the use of our land, especially in the transfer of technology. Even though our doors have been open for a long time, we are opening new doors now”, he explained.

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