By Edward Acquah, GNA
Accra, Aug. 20, GNA – The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has called for increased investment in Africa’s nuclear workforce to support the safe and sustainable development of nuclear energy.
Prof. Abdulai Baba Salifu, Chairman of the Governing Board of GAEC, said the availability of skilled personnel was critical to the success of the continent’s nuclear energy ambitions.
He made the call at the third US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit (USANES 2026) in Accra, held on the theme: “Building and Sustaining Africa’s Nuclear Workforce.”
“Behind every reactor is a scientist. Behind every safety decision is a trained professional. Behind every regulatory licence is a competent regulator,” he said.
Prof. Salifu said African countries should place greater emphasis on developing scientists, engineers, technicians, operators, regulators and other professionals required across the nuclear energy value chain.
He said regional cooperation should also be strengthened to facilitate access to training infrastructure, research facilities, specialised expertise, simulation and laboratory facilities, regulatory experience and emergency preparedness resources.
Prof. Salifu said Ghana was positioning itself as a regional centre for nuclear workforce development, citing the establishment of Africa’s first Regional Energy Training Centre in 2023 through a partnership between the United States Department of Energy and GAEC.
He said Ghana was also advancing its nuclear power programme and had established key institutions, including the Nuclear Regulatory Authority and Nuclear Power Ghana.
Dr Michael Goff, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at the US Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy, said the United States was ready to partner African countries pursuing nuclear power through technology transfer, technical expertise and institutional capacity-building.
“The United States really wants to be your partner in that future,” he said.
Dr Goff said advances in reactor technology, streamlined licensing processes and strengthened nuclear fuel supply chains were creating opportunities for African countries to adopt nuclear energy without the lengthy timelines traditionally associated with nuclear projects.
He said the United States was also exploring artificial intelligence to accelerate reactor design, licensing, manufacturing and construction, while improving the operation of nuclear facilities.
The three-day summit, which opened in Accra on Wednesday, Aug. 19, and ends on Friday, Aug. 21, brings together governments, industry, academia, regulators and development partners to discuss workforce development, institutional capacity, financing and partnerships for safe, secure and sustainable nuclear energy programmes in Africa.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Edward Acquah
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