NPG holds engagement with CSOs on Ghana’s Nuclear Power Programme

Director General of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare, has highlighted the pressing necessity for Ghana to develop its first nuclear power plant. This project aims to enhance energy generation for a stable power supply while addressing climate change challenges.

During an engagement with energy-focused civil society organizations in Accra on October 17, 2024, organized by Nuclear Power Ghana, Prof. Dampare stated, “We need nuclear energy to ensure stable power in Ghana and tackle emerging climate change issues.”

Ghana is aiming to establish its first nuclear power plant by 2030 to address rising energy demands and decrease its dependence on fossil fuels. The government, through Nuclear Power Ghana, has identified potential sites for the facility, which is anticipated to become operational within the next decade. This move towards nuclear energy is part of Ghana’s strategy to diversify its energy mix and lower its carbon emissions. Currently, the country heavily relies on hydropower and thermal plants, which are increasingly challenged by the growing electricity demand. To support the nuclear project, the government has formed partnerships with several countries and organizations, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Russia.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana, emphasized the need for energy diversification. He explained that “Ghana’s nuclear power program follows the IAEA’s milestone approach, which is standard for countries developing nuclear capabilities. This necessitates obligation, commitment and informed decision-making. Ghana is currently in phase two of the nuclear power program, focusing on site selection, vendor issues, etc to be followed by plant commissioning. Ghana needs to diversify its energy portfolio”.

Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, Head of the University of Ghana’s Department of Physics, stressed the importance of advocating for nuclear power in Ghana to bridge gaps in the energy sector while addressing nuclear-related concerns. She remarked, “As a country, we haven’t reached our energy generation aspirations. We can achieve sustainable development through nuclear power, as every developed country utilizes it. South Africa has nuclear power plant, and Egypt is advancing, while Ghana is on its way”.

Prof. Benjamin J.B. Nyarko, Board Chairman of Nuclear Power Ghana and former Director General of Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), urged civil society organizations in the energy sector to intensify their advocacy efforts to secure additional funding to shore up annual budget for Ghana’s Nuclear Power Programme.

In addition to various energy-based civil society organizations advocating for increased budget allocations for Ghana’s nuclear programme and organization of a national dialogue on nuclear, Nana Amoasi VII, Executive Director of the Institute of Energy Security (IES), called for the urgent passage of the Nuclear Power Bill into law.

Participants engaged in discussions covering a range of topics, including nuclear technology options, perceived risks and benefits, safety benchmarks, used fuel storage and disposal, human capital planning, investment impacts, technological growth simulations, and social implications of construction activities.