In Ghana the cultivation of cisgenic rice could potentially decrease the current growing gap
between domestic supply and demand. Using a consumer survey, the study tested if Ghanaians
view cisgenic and transgenic rice differently and estimated consumers’ willingness-to-pay for
rice labeled as genetically modified (GM), cisgenic or environmentally beneficial. Employing an
interval regression on the survey data showed that consumers were willing to pay a premium
for environmentally beneficial rice and a discount for GM and cisgenic rice. In addition, a
Likert scale and simple t test was used to show that respondents had a less negative attitude
towards cisgenic rice relative to transgenic rice; and perceived cisgenic rice to be different from
GM rice, but not different from transgenic rice. Based on the findings of this study and the highskepticism that Ghanaians have towards GM crops, labeling cisgenic as transgenic could mean
that Ghanaians would reject cisgenic crops. Further, consumer perception and acceptance are
important factors in improving the country’s food security status. Therefore, the Government of
Ghana should also make an effort to implement programme that would help increase awareness
among Ghanaians about GM and the different types of GM products.