Media urged to build trust in Ghana’s nuclear future
Journalists called to strengthen public confidence in energy transition
Media professionals in Ghana have been called upon to play a crucial role in fostering public trust and inclusive dialogue as the country progresses with its nuclear energy ambitions. The appeal came during a 2025 non-residential media workshop held in Accra, organized by Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG) under the theme: “Media Practice: A Bridge for Building Sustainable Community Development.”
Bringing together journalists, energy stakeholders, and communication experts, the workshop highlighted how responsible and well-informed media practice can bridge the gap between technical policy and community engagement.
Media as the backbone of public discourse
In a compelling presentation titled “How Can Media Practice Foster a Marketplace of Ideas and Build a Strong Foundation for Community Resilience?”, Nana Amoasi VII, former Executive Director of Institute of Energy Security (IES) and Technical Advisor of BOST Energies, emphasized the media’s pivotal role in shaping discourse on nuclear development.
He acknowledged the promise of nuclear energy in helping Ghana transition to a more stable and sustainable power supply but stressed the importance of addressing public fears around safety, environmental concerns, and socio-economic impact.
“The media is the primary infrastructure for public discourse. In nuclear development, it must provide platforms where policymakers, experts, and citizens exchange ideas openly,” he said. “Pluralism and inclusivity are essential if we are to build public confidence.”
Moving beyond fear: Promoting informed debate
Nana Amoasi urged media practitioners to shift away from sensationalism and fear-inducing narratives that focus solely on nuclear disasters. Instead, he encouraged them to delve deeper into aspects such as nuclear safety culture, energy security, economic opportunities, and environmental stewardship.
He recommended four key strategies to improve nuclear reporting in Ghana:
- Invest in ethical journalism and professional training
- Promote community radio and local language programming
- Establish fact-checking mechanisms
- Foster collaboration between media, academia, and energy institutions
He also called on Nuclear Power Ghana to provide scholarships and sponsorships for journalists to receive specialized training in nuclear energy reporting.
Community participation: A foundation for sustainable planning
Also speaking at the workshop, Mr. Patrick Mireku, Director of Real Estate and Security Services at the Volta River Authority (VRA), highlighted the importance of community-led land mapping and acquisition in energy project planning.
He criticized Ghana’s top-down approach to land use, noting it often overlooks the valuable knowledge and traditions of local communities.
“Communities possess deep knowledge of their environment, traditions, and resources, making them critical partners in shaping effective solutions,” Mr. Mireku explained.
He emphasized that inclusive planning not only helps avoid displacement and reduce conflict but also aligns development with local needs. He further stressed the importance of secure land rights, fair compensation, and legal compliance in infrastructure projects.
Telling the nuclear story: Simplifying the complex
Dr. Kelle Barfield, a Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Consultant, added that the media’s understanding of nuclear issues is central to shaping public perception. Her presentation, titled “The Importance of Media Understanding in Building Safe and Secure Local Communities,” stressed the need to blend technical accuracy with emotional intelligence in reporting.
She advised journalists to avoid overly technical language and instead focus on human-centered storytelling that resonates with public values and concerns.
“Terms like ‘critical’ or ‘passive safety systems’ can confuse or alarm people if not explained properly,” Dr. Barfield noted. “Media must interpret, represent, and even entertain — while staying credible.”
She encouraged communicators to base their storytelling on research and community voices, making nuclear issues accessible and relatable.
Building trust through watchdog journalism
The workshop concluded with a consensus: for Ghana’s nuclear future to succeed, the media must go beyond the role of informers to become watchdogs, interpreters, and trustworthy bridges between policymakers and the public.
Trust, transparency, and public engagement were identified as essential pillars of Ghana’s energy transition.
By: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo/African Editors
