NPG holds virtual workshop for media professionals

In an era where sustainable energy solutions are critical to addressing the world’s growing energy demands, the role of nuclear power has never been more relevant. On February 27 and 28, 2025, Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG) held a transformative two-day virtual workshop for media professionals, focusing on the theme “Transformative Nature of Nuclear Power Technology and its Relevance for Ghanaians.” The workshop served as a comprehensive exploration of nuclear energy, highlighting its potential to revolutionize Ghana’s energy sector and its broader societal implications.

Day 1: Unveiling the power of nuclear technology

The workshop kicked off with welcoming remarks from Gerard Vittor-Quo, Manager of Public Affairs at NPG. He emphasized the workshop’s purpose: to equip media professionals with in-depth knowledge about nuclear power, its benefits, and its relevance to Ghana’s energy future. By fostering an informed media landscape, NPG aims to ensure the public receives accurate and balanced perspectives on nuclear energy.

Dr. Stephen Yamoah, the Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana, followed with an engaging opening speech, detailing Ghana’s commitment to diversifying its energy sources and reducing its dependence on fossil fuels. He highlighted nuclear power as a pivotal technology that could secure a sustainable energy future for the country.

The first presentation of the day was delivered by Mr. Daniel Wordson, Manager at the Executive Office of NPG. His session on “The Major Components of a Nuclear Power Plant and Their Relevance” provided an in-depth breakdown of the core components of a nuclear power facility, such as the reactor, turbine generators, and cooling systems. Wordson also emphasized how these components could be integrated into Ghana’s energy infrastructure, providing reliable and sustainable electricity.

Following Wordson’s presentation, Dr. Felix Ameyaw, Manager of the Nuclear Energy Planning Center at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), took the stage. His presentation on “The Advantages of Nuclear Energy and Applications” further illuminated the potential of nuclear energy. He spoke about nuclear energy’s ability to provide stable, large-scale electricity generation with minimal carbon emissions, making it a critical tool in addressing climate change. Ameyaw also touched on its diverse applications, including medical treatments and industrial processes, underscoring its broad relevance to various sectors in Ghana.

A lively Q&A session followed, moderated by Mr. David Dankwa-Apawu, Senior Lecturer at the University of Media, Arts and Communication Institute of Journalism (UniMAC-IJ), and George Appiah from the Nuclear Power Institute (NPI). Media professionals posed insightful questions on nuclear energy’s safety, cost-effectiveness, and the potential impact on the job market in Ghana. The dialogue helped demystify nuclear power, a technology often surrounded by misconceptions.

The first day also featured an interactive Mentimeter exercise led by Mr. Wordson. Participants engaged with real-time polls on the “Benefits and Opportunities of Nuclear Energy,” sharing their views on how nuclear power could transform Ghana’s energy landscape. The activity provided valuable insight into the participants’ understanding of nuclear energy, laying the groundwork for deeper discussions in the following sessions.

The day concluded with groupings and assignments led by Mr. Dankwa-Apawu, where participants were tasked with developing comprehensive reports on nuclear energy’s potential for Ghana. This exercise encouraged collaboration and critical thinking, reinforcing the workshop’s practical learning approach.

Day 2: Delving deeper into nuclear power

Day 2 of the workshop began with a review of Day 1, with each group presenting their assignments. This session allowed the participants to showcase their understanding of nuclear energy and provided a platform for peer feedback.

Dr. Stephen Yamoah presented the first session of the day, focusing on “The Nuclear Fuel Cycle, Key Components, and Associated Safety Concerns.” He explained how nuclear fuel is processed and the safety protocols that are in place throughout the cycle, addressing concerns about nuclear accidents and radiation. He also distinguished between large-scale and small reactor technologies, offering insights into the different types of nuclear reactors that could be deployed in Ghana.

The Q&A session that followed was expertly moderated by Mr. George Appiah. Participants asked thought-provoking questions about nuclear safety, waste management, and the potential for Ghana to adopt small modular reactors (SMRs), which are seen as a promising solution for many countries looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

The final Mentimeter exercise, “Assessment of Knowledge and Participation,” led by Mr. Wordson, was a reflection of the workshop’s success in engaging participants. Through this activity, the media professionals were able to assess how much they had learned and identify areas where further clarification was needed.

The workshop concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Archibold Buah-Kwofie, Acting Director of the Nuclear Power Institute (NPI), who expressed his appreciation for the media professionals’ active participation. He reiterated the importance of an informed media in shaping public perceptions of nuclear energy and ensuring the successful integration of nuclear power into Ghana’s energy portfolio.

The way forward

As Ghana works to diversify its energy sources and tackle the challenges of energy access and climate change, nuclear power remains a critical piece of the puzzle. The NPG workshop for media professionals was a step in the right direction, fostering an informed dialogue about the role of nuclear energy in Ghana’s future. By educating key stakeholders, NPG is paving the way for a more energy-secure, sustainable, and economically viable future for the country.

Through this workshop, Ghana has taken a significant stride toward unlocking the transformative potential of nuclear energy, ensuring that its citizens and media professionals are well-equipped to navigate the energy transition ahead. With continued efforts like these, the dream of a clean, reliable, and affordable energy future for all Ghanaians is within reach.

Nuclear Power