By Albert Oppong-Ansah
Accra, Sept. 17, GNA – Ghana is advancing preparations for its nuclear power programme, with site characterisation, regulatory readiness and human-capacity development progressing steadily.
Meteorological monitoring systems have been installed at preferred and alternative sites, while Geographic Information System (GIS)-based verification, supported by aeromagnetic survey data, is improving knowledge of subsurface conditions.
Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, said ongoing land acquisition was also positioning Ghana for the next phase of the programme.
She made the disclosure in Ghana’s statement at the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said the progress reflected Ghana’s “deliberate and responsible approach” to developing reliable, clean and sustainable energy, with human-capacity development remaining central to the programme.
She said Ghana was leveraging partnerships with the IAEA, European Union, United States, China, Japan, Republic of Korea and Russian Federation to develop the skilled workforce required to support a modern nuclear industry.
The Minister said the School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, established through collaboration among the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, University of Ghana and the IAEA, was marking 20 years of graduate nuclear education.
More than 800 master’s and PhD graduates in various nuclear disciplines had emerged from the school, many of whom were serving in senior positions in Ghana and other African countries, she said.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlingsid said new academic programmes in applied human nutrition and nuclear techniques, and radiation and cancer biology, were further strengthening Ghana’s scientific capacity.
Beyond energy, Ghana was applying nuclear science in healthcare, agriculture, nutrition, water management and environmental protection, she said.
On cancer care, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said Ghana was working with the IAEA and international partners to strengthen cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care.
She said an Integrated Mission of the Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy conducted earlier in the year had provided recommendations to improve national cancer control and mobilise sustainable investment.
She said Ghana had also benefited from an IAEA-supported regional breast cancer imaging course and quality assurance audit for diagnostic radiology.
The Minister expressed appreciation to Japan for its contribution through the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative, which enabled Ghana to receive a mammography machine to improve early breast cancer detection and access to timely care.
She said nuclear isotopic techniques were also being used to address nutritional challenges, with a DEXA scanner acquired under an IAEA-supported project expected to strengthen research and inform public health policies.
In agriculture, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said technical cooperation was strengthening Ghanaian capacity in soil, water and nutrient management, mutation breeding, animal production and health, food safety and human nutrition.
“Demonstration farms, farmer field schools and digital platforms will transform this research into practical benefits, contributing to food security, productivity, employment and resilient livelihoods,” she said.
The Minister said nuclear and isotopic techniques were also providing scientific evidence for environmental policy and decision-making.
She said the isotope hydrology laboratory was supporting research into groundwater systems, water quality and basin dynamics, while participation in regional efforts to harmonise microplastics monitoring was strengthening laboratory capacity to protect marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
“As climate pressures intensify, these capabilities will be vital for water security and environmental sustainability,” she said.
In industry, Ghana had completed a feasibility study for an electron beam processing facility and developed a project document to mobilise national and private-sector investment, with government committing seed funding.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said Ghana remained committed to strengthening the safety and security framework underpinning its nuclear ambitions.
She said the country was improving its regulatory framework and implementing recommendations from an IAEA Integrated Regulatory Review Service mission.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
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