Stakeholders oppose president’s powers to appoint staff in Nuclear Power Ghana Limited’s draft bill

A clause in the draft bill for the establishment of Nuclear Power Ghana Limited (NPGL) has triggered backlash from stakeholders, with critics raising red flags over the extent of presidential powers embedded in the legislation. The contentious clause—Section 16(1)—grants the President authority to appoint staff necessary for the efficient functioning of the corporation, in accordance with Article 195 of the 1992 Constitution.

Section 16: A constitutional backing or overreach?

The draft bill, unveiled at a stakeholder engagement on June 24, 2025, at the NPA Conference Room in Accra, proposes that:

“The President shall in accordance with Article 195 of the Constitution, appoint for the corporation other staff that are necessary for efficient and effective performance of the functions of the corporation.”

While this mirrors the constitutional provision that allows the President to appoint public officers, critics argue that the context and nature of Nuclear Power Ghana Limited —a highly technical and independent energy entity—require a more decentralized approach.

Stakeholders push back

At the stakeholder session, attended by industry experts, civil society actors, legal professionals, and energy sector representatives, several participants voiced concern over the concentration of power in the Executive arm of government. Many warned that such a provision, if left unchanged, could politicize the staffing of NPGL and compromise the corporation’s autonomy and technical efficiency.

“This is a technical body, not a political entity. Allowing the President to appoint all staff opens the door for partisan interference,” one stakeholder remarked.

Board oversight preferred

The bill already proposes a nine-member board to govern Nuclear Power Ghana Limited, comprising experts from various sectors. Some attendees argued that the responsibility of appointing additional staff should fall under the jurisdiction of this board.

“We believe the board—once established—should have full control over the recruitment and staffing process,” another participant suggested. “This would ensure that appointments are based on merit and relevance to the corporation’s specialized mission.”

A question of balance and governance

This is not the first time a public institution’s staffing framework has raised questions about executive overreach. Critics say Section 16 of the NPGL draft bill echoes similar governance concerns seen in other state-owned enterprises, where blurred lines between political authority and operational independence have sometimes undermined performance.

Legal analysts also noted that while Article 195 allows the President to appoint public officers, it also provides room for delegation—meaning Parliament could enact laws that entrust such powers to a board or another authority in line with good corporate governance principles.

Calls for amendment

Several stakeholders called for the draft bill to be revised before it is submitted to Parliament. The consensus among critics was clear: while the President’s constitutional role must be respected, operational independence must not be sacrificed.

“Let’s respect the Constitution but tailor it to suit the unique nature of NPGL,” one policy expert concluded. “We need checks and balances to ensure the long-term credibility of Ghana’s nuclear power ambitions.”

As Ghana prepares to join the global league of nuclear energy producers, the way forward may lie in striking a delicate balance—preserving constitutional order while promoting technical and operational independence.

Ghana charts nuclear path to power a 24-Hour Economy

In a major move toward sustainable energy and industrial transformation, stakeholders gathered at the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) Conference Room on June 24, 2025, for an engagement session on the Nuclear Power Ghana Limited’s draft Bill. The meeting brought together key industry leaders, policymakers, and energy experts, all focused on finalizing the legal framework to support Ghana’s growing nuclear ambitions.

The engagement comes at a critical time, as Ghana prepares to scale up electricity generation in anticipation of President John Dramani Mahama’s 24-Hour Economy Policy—a strategic initiative aimed at boosting productivity, employment, and economic expansion.

Government reaffirms support for renewables—including nuclear

Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah speaking at the forum, declared unwavering government support for renewable energy options, including nuclear power. “I’m a strong advocate for renewables including nuclear power for electricity generation,” he said. “Ghana’s electricity consumption is likely to increase significantly with the roll-out of the 24-Hour Economy Policy, and we must be ready.”

Highlighting the progress made so far, the Deputy Minister celebrated the successful completion of Phase One and Two of Ghana’s nuclear power development project, including key milestones in site selection and vendor engagement. “This engagement is not a mere formality. We are committed to transparency and accountability. Let’s identify the gaps in the draft Bill and make proposals to shape it,” he urged participants.

ECG Board Chair: Nuclear will transform economy and industry

The Board Chairman of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ing. Dr. William Amuna, emphasized nuclear power’s potential to revolutionize Ghana’s energy landscape. “The establishment of nuclear power plants will reduce reliance on fossil fuels, improve the economy, sustain the environment, drive industrialization, promote technological advancement, and enhance access to electricity,” Dr. Amuna asserted.

He emphasized the importance of safety and international compliance. “The NPGL draft Bill will be grounded in strict adherence to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safety standards, cutting-edge technologies, and international best practices. It will also promote the exportation of Ghanaian expertise,” he explained.

Calling on the drafting committee to uphold national interest, he added: “Let’s be guided by patriotism, and I urge all participants to contribute meaningfully for a fruitful discussion.”

NPA CEO: “Nuclear power will be a game changer”

For the Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority, Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, the future is nuclear. “I strongly believe that nuclear power for electricity generation will be the game changer for the Republic of Ghana,” he said confidently. His sentiments reflect growing consensus among energy sector leaders that nuclear energy can provide a reliable, long-term solution to Ghana’s power challenges.

Nuclear Power Ghana: A long journey, steady progress

Dr. Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana, offered a comprehensive presentation on the country’s nuclear journey—dating back to the early 1960s. He chronicled key historical phases from 1963 to the present, spotlighting efforts made between 2007 and 2020, including technical collaborations, policy formulation, and feasibility studies.

He outlined the significant achievements in Phases One and Two, including site selection, infrastructure assessment, vendor evaluations, and the financing framework agreement between Ghana and the United States. Dr. Yamoah detailed the institutional roles and core functions of NPGL, reaffirming Ghana’s readiness to move forward.

Legal insights and industry response

Franklin Nana Addai, Legal Advisor at Bui Power Authority, presented the draft Bill, providing key legal insights and drawing attention to areas requiring refinement. The draft outlines structural, operational, and governance frameworks for Ghana’s entry into nuclear power generation.

The CEO of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) welcomed the draft. “It’s a strong start. When the Bill reaches the point where it can go to Parliament, we’ll study it further. Our focus is ensuring a robust and efficient regulatory body that can generate sustainable power for industry and national development.”

The road ahead: A unified stakeholder vision

Tuesday’s engagement marked a major step toward achieving Ghana’s nuclear energy ambitions. Across the board, stakeholders echoed the need for collaboration, technical rigor, and a nationalistic approach in finalizing the draft Bill.

As Ghana takes bold steps toward realizing a 24-hour economy, the integration of nuclear power into its energy mix may indeed prove to be the sustainable and transformative solution needed to power its future.