The government of Ghana is actively seeking funding for the construction of a nuclear power plant as part of its strategy to enhance the country's electricity production and provide more reliable and efficient energy to consumers.
Although the specific cost and project sites have not yet been disclosed, Ghana is contemplating a partnership with the United States to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and initiate the project.
The Director General of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Professor Samuel Boakye Dampare, shared this information at a Ministerial Conference on International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation (IFNEC) in Accra.
The conference brought together energy ministers from Africa, high-level officials, nuclear energy representatives, and key stakeholders to discuss regional and international cooperation and policies essential for advancing nuclear energy programs.
Prof. Dampare noted that, through the International Independent Atomic Energy, around 30 PhD students have received training in nuclear and allied sciences programs abroad, and regulations governing nuclear power plants have been completed.
The Ghanaian government is currently exploring whether to opt for medium or larger nuclear plants based on recommendations from the Commission and the Nuclear Power Institute.
In addition, to strengthen Ghana's nuclear energy commitment, the government established the Nuclear Regulatory Authority in 2015 as an independent body.
Prof. Dampare also highlighted the role of the jointly established School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences by the Commission and the University of Ghana in building human capacity for the nuclear sector.
The Director General of the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), Mr. William D. Magwood, expressed the agency's commitment to supporting the Ghanaian government in taking full advantage of nuclear technology.
He praised the government's efforts in adopting nuclear energy for the country and establishing institutions like the Nuclear and Allied Sciences to oversee the development of nuclear technology.
Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, the Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, emphasized Ghana's abundance of natural resources, including gas and petroleum.
He highlighted the need to consider nuclear power plants to support industries, particularly in light of climate-related issues such as the spillage of the Akosombo Dam that affected several regions in the country.
