Nuclear Power Ghana engages CSOs on nuclear power project efforts
Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG) held a pivotal engagement session with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) at the Bui Power Authority Conference Room in Accra. The event focused on updates and collaborative strategies surrounding Ghana’s nuclear power project, drawing key stakeholders from legal, industrial, energy, and civil society sectors.
A call for structured policy and bi-partisan support
Prominent legal practitioner, Dr. David Ofosu-Dorte, emphasized the importance of regulatory clarity in the transmission systems for nuclear energy. In his presentation titled “Good Financial Risk Management for Successful Nuclear Power Project is Crucial for Industrial Involvement”, Dr. Ofosu-Dorte urged NPG to:
- Establish gateway rules for transmission systems.
- Engage in bi-partisan dialogue to ensure sustainable political support for Ghana’s nuclear agenda.
- Lobby the Energy Commission to reduce entry thresholds for bulk power purchase.
- Finalize off-taker agreements early to secure financing and industry trust.
Status update: Where Ghana’s nuclear project stands
Dr. Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana, presented a comprehensive update on the nuclear project. His speech, titled “The Bill, Vendor, and Technology Type Status: Where We Are”, covered:
- Progress on legislative and regulatory frameworks.
- Current engagements with potential vendors and technology providers.
- Meetings with the Parliamentary Select Committee, involving both the Majority and Minority, highlighting growing political involvement.
- Key project timelines, critical requirements, and existing challenges.
Legal insight: NPG to be upgraded to authority status
Lawyer Franklin Nana Addai, Senior Manager of Legal and Board Secretariat at Bui Power Authority, announced ongoing efforts to upgrade Nuclear Power Ghana from an organization to an authority, which would give it broader powers and autonomy. This transition is expected to streamline decision-making and implementation processes.
Nuclear energy: Ghana’s only viable option – IMANI
Lawyer Kofi Bentil, Vice President of IMANI Africa, made a strong case for nuclear energy as Ghana’s most viable option for long-term energy security. He stated, “Ghana has no option but to go for nuclear power for energy generation.” Highlighting its safety advantages over hydro power, Bentil called on NPG to:
- Educate key stakeholders and the public.
- Engage and win over skeptics through transparency and information-sharing.
- Ensure strategic communication with influencers and policy makers.
Industry support: AGI commits to collaboration
Mr. Seth Twum-Akwaboah, CEO of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), expressed the association’s readiness to collaborate closely with NPG. He stated:
“The nuclear energy agenda must be pushed together with the CSOs. Identify people who will lobby for us, engage environmental CSOs, and educate the public to erase misconceptions.”
He stressed the need for broad stakeholder engagement and encouraged dialogue with the Energy Commission to accommodate nuclear energy within Ghana’s broader energy mix.
Institutional perspective: GAEC on the way forward
Dr. Archibold Buah-Kwofie, Acting Director of the Nuclear Power Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), provided an institutional overview of the organization of Ghana’s nuclear power programme. He highlighted:
- The readiness of Ghana’s nuclear institutions.
- Institutional capacity building and partnerships.
- The roadmap for licensing and safety protocols.
Dialogue is Essential -Dr. Darke
Dr. Humphrey Kwesi Ayim Darke, President of AGI, concluded the event with a strong message on unity and collaboration. He echoed the sentiment that major dialogue is critical for the success of the nuclear project:
“We must bring all stakeholders to the table. Nuclear power is a game-changer and will drive Ghana’s industrialisation.”
The engagement between Nuclear Power Ghana and Civil Society Organizations marks a significant step forward in fostering transparency, inclusivity, and public support for Ghana’s nuclear power ambitions. With continued dialogue, policy clarity, and strategic partnerships, Ghana appears poised to make nuclear energy a cornerstone of its energy future.
