Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI)

The Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI), a constituent institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), is the nation's premier center for the peaceful application of nuclear and biotechnological techniques in agriculture and industry. BNARI reached a historic milestone in late 2023 when it was designated as Africa’s first IAEA Collaborating Centre for Plant Breeding and Genetics, a status it maintains through 2027. Under the leadership of Director Professor Michael Osae in 2026, the institute is spearheading the "Mutation Breeding" revolution, using gamma irradiation to develop climate-resilient, high-yielding crop varieties like the Songotra-T cowpea and improved cassava lines that can produce up to 70 tonnes per hectare. Beyond plant genetics, BNARI is a leader in the circular economy through its flagship Black Soldier Fly (BSF) bioconversion technology, which transforms organic waste into high-quality animal feed and organic fertilizer, a project recently scaled through a strategic 2026 partnership with the Ground Nest Technology Incubator.