Ghana’s Nuclear Power Programme/Project suffers big blow over NRA—staff layoffs

A heavy blow to Ghana’s nuclear power agenda

Ghana’s long-anticipated nuclear power programme has hit a major stumbling block following the abrupt dismissal of 25 key personnel recruited by the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA). These individuals were set to undergo essential training under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) framework for site assessment and licensing, a critical step toward actualizing Ghana’s nuclear energy ambitions. Their dismissal, however, now threatens to derail years of strategic planning and investment.

IAEA deadline looms: Ghana races against time
The gravity of the situation cannot be overstated. According to sources within the NRA, Ghana has until May 10, 2025, to submit a list of trained personnel to the IAEA for assessment and licensing activities. Failure to meet this deadline could lead to the collapse of all progress made toward integrating nuclear energy into the country’s energy mix. The training, initially scheduled to begin by April 30, 2025, is now in limbo, jeopardizing the future of Ghana’s nuclear energy roadmap.

Govt revokes all Public Service appointments after Dec. 7: Governance vs. progress

The dismissals stem from a directive issued by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah on February 11, 2025, annulling all public sector appointments made after December 7, 2024. Citing concerns about governance principles and end-of-tenure appointments, the government’s move was aimed at curbing what it views as non-compliant and politically motivated employment practices. Unfortunately, this sweeping action has unintentionally ensnared a crucial component of the nuclear programme, putting the nation’s energy future at risk.

Power crisis deepens: Dumsor returns with vengeance
This nuclear programme setback comes amid a deepening power crisis. Not a single megawatt has been produced from the Volta River Authority (VRA) plants at Aboadze since January. The TICO steam plant, with a capacity of 130MW, is also offline. The ongoing outages—popularly known as “dumsor”—are increasing pressure on emergency procurement schemes, raising concerns about corruption and inefficiency, including inflated logistics such as $10,000 daily crane rentals.

Karpowership threatens shutdown over $379M debt
Adding to the woes, Karpowership, the floating power plant operator in the Western Region, has threatened to suspend operations due to a $379 million debt owed by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). The warning was issued during a meeting between Karpowership and Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor, who has pleaded for patience while the government navigates a solution. However, industry watchers warn that a shutdown could tip the country into a full-blown energy emergency.

Mounting debt and IMF warnings
Ghana’s energy sector debt has spiraled past $3 billion, drawing sharp warnings from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF has urged urgent structural reforms to avoid systemic collapse—recommendations which include cutting costs, enhancing revenue collection, and renegotiating power contracts. The collapse of the nuclear initiative would only tighten the noose on a sector already gasping for financial air.

Nuclear power: Ghana’s baseload solution amid energy turmoil
As part of its green transition and efforts to ensure energy security, the government had placed significant hope on nuclear energy as a baseload solution. Nuclear power was projected to stabilize the national grid and reduce reliance on fossil fuels and emergency imports. The sudden disruption to the NRA’s training schedule, therefore, threatens not just a project, but a foundational pillar of Ghana’s energy future.

Urgent call to action: Restore the sacked NRA Staff
Multiple sources confirm that efforts to engage the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Energy Ministry have so far yielded no results. Time is running out, and without immediate intervention, Ghana will miss the IAEA May 10, 2025 deadline, potentially losing its window to join the global nuclear energy community. Stakeholders are urgently calling on the government to reverse the dismissals and reinstate the 25 personnel, allowing the NRA to proceed with training and meet IAEA’S requirements.

Governance or gridlock?
The government’s commitment to good governance is commendable, but it must now weigh that against the tangible consequences of delayed progress in a critical sector. Ghana stands at a crossroads: uphold an administrative directive at the cost of a vital national programme, or recalibrate to ensure strategic initiatives like nuclear power are not sacrificed at the altar of political transitions.

Time is of the essence. The decision must be swift—and right.