NPG holds virtual workshop to deepen C/R and W/R Journalists’ knowledge on Ghana’s nuclear power agenda

In a move to strengthen media understanding and reporting on Ghana’s nuclear power ambitions, the Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG) has held a virtual workshop for journalists in the Central and Western Regions. The session brought together media professionals and experts in the nuclear energy space to discuss Ghana’s roadmap to nuclear power, address public misconceptions, and improve the quality of energy-related journalism.

Nuclear energy: The power of stability and sustainability

Energy Economist and Planner at the Nuclear Power Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Mr. Mark Amoah Nyasapoh, described nuclear energy as the “energy superstar,” emphasizing its role as a baseload power source critical for national development.

“We need nuclear as baseload either to augment or help with fixing stability and sustainability in the power sector to ensure the energy security we need,” he said.

He further explained that nuclear energy boasts the highest capacity factor at 92.3%, outperforming all other power sources. According to him, nuclear is not just powerful—it is the cleanest and safest form of energy available today. This makes it the ideal candidate to support government’s proposed 24-hour economy policy, championed by President John Mahama, which demands a stable and affordable power supply.

Debunking myths about nuclear power

Mr. Nyasapoh addressed lingering misconceptions about nuclear power, debunking three major myths with facts and statistics. He described nuclear fuel as “packed with power” and a sustainable solution to end Ghana’s long-standing power instability issues—commonly known as Dumsor.

“The energy of the future is already here,” he asserted, noting that nuclear power promises cheaper electricity and long-term energy reliability for the country.

Winning public trust: Communication is key

In his presentation, Mr. George Appiah, Acting Manager for Localization and Stakeholder Support at the Nuclear Power Institute, emphasized the need to win the public’s trust. He highlighted the importance of acquiring a public license and ensuring transparency throughout the nuclear power journey.

Mr. Appiah acknowledged the establishment of a credible and independent regulator, capable of managing crisis communication, handling emergencies, and debunking misinformation. He stressed the need for proactive communication strategies that address public concerns head-on and build confidence in the nuclear programme.

Roadmap to nuclear power: Ghana’s three-phase journey

Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana, Dr. Stephen Yamoah, laid out the roadmap for the country’s nuclear power project. He explained that Ghana is following a structured approach aligned with international best practices, broken into three phases and milestones:

Phase 1 – Consider: National decision-making and feasibility studies

Phase 2 – Prepare: Infrastructure development and contracting

Phase 3 – Construct: Construction and commissioning of nuclear power plants

The corresponding milestones are:

Milestone 1 – Decide

Milestone 2 – Contract

Milestone 3 – Commission

This structured approach ensures that Ghana meets all technical, regulatory, and safety benchmarks before fully rolling out nuclear power.

The role of the Media: Reporting with responsibility and accuracy

In a session dedicated to media practice, Mr. David Apawu-Dankwa, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Media, Arts and Communication Institute of Journalism (UniMAC-IJ), reviewed 12 stories submitted for a journalism award. He offered constructive feedback and key guidelines for effective reporting on the nuclear energy sector.

He emphasized the importance of clarity of expression, factual accuracy, compelling headlines, to help eliminate fake news and disinformation.

“The media has a responsibility to inform and educate the public with precision, especially on such a critical topic,” Mr. Apawu-Dankwa stressed.

Charting a nuclear future with informed stakeholders

The NPG virtual workshop served as an eye-opener for journalists, equipping them with the tools and insights to cover Ghana’s nuclear journey responsibly. As the country moves closer to embracing nuclear power, the role of informed and accurate journalism will be crucial in shaping public perception and ensuring accountability throughout the process.