Nuclear Power Ghana trains Journalists to drive sustainable energy transition
Empowering the Media for a Sustainable Future
In a strategic move to deepen public understanding and trust in nuclear energy, Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG) has hosted a two-day non-residential workshop in Accra for journalists, editors, and media leaders. Under the theme “Media Practice: A Bridge in Building a Sustainable Community Development,” the initiative aimed at equipping media professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to report accurately and confidently on Ghana’s nuclear energy programme.
The training underscored the crucial role of the media in bridging the gap between science and society, especially as Ghana prepares to integrate nuclear power into its national energy mix to drive sustainable development.
Nuclear Power: A Catalyst for Growth
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana, made a compelling case for nuclear energy as a clean, reliable, and transformative solution to Ghana’s growing energy needs.
“Nuclear power is not just about electricity generation,” he stated. “It is about building confidence in a technology that will secure Ghana’s energy future. The media is the bridge between science and society, and your role in demystifying nuclear technology is crucial.”
Dr. Yamoah highlighted nuclear technology’s potential to stimulate economic growth, industrialization, and job creation, stressing that the success of Ghana’s nuclear journey hinges on public trust, transparency, and informed communication—areas where the media plays a pivotal role.
Learning from the Bui Dam Experience
Sharing insights from another major infrastructure project, Dr. Wombilla Salifu, speaking on behalf of the Bui Power Authority’s Acting CEO, emphasized the importance of public trust in large-scale energy projects.
He recounted how the Bui Dam faced public skepticism and misinformation during its development phase. “Technology alone cannot succeed without public trust,” he said. “The media is the bridge that translates technical information into public understanding.”
Dr. Salifu applauded NPG’s commitment to media engagement, noting that Bui Power, which began with hydro and now incorporates solar and nuclear support, has learned that sustained public education is key to project success.
Journalists Urged to Demystify Nuclear Energy
Albert Kofi Owusu, General Manager of the Ghana News Agency, acknowledged lingering public skepticism about nuclear energy but urged journalists to step up as educators and watchdogs.
“Our duty as journalists is to demystify nuclear energy and explain its benefits while addressing concerns transparently,” he said. Drawing on his experience in China, Owusu noted the centrality of nuclear power in advancing modern industries and green transportation like electric vehicles.
He praised the NPG training programme for enhancing the quality of nuclear-related journalism in Ghana and emphasized the media’s role in shaping an informed and balanced public discourse.
Media’s Responsibility in Nation Building
Representing the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), Executive Secretary Mr. George Wilson Kingson challenged journalists to rise above routine reporting and embrace their roles as nation-builders.
“Knowledge shared is power multiplied,” he asserted. “Let us not treat this as just another event but as a platform to sharpen our craft and deepen our responsibility to society.”
Mr. Kingson urged media professionals to see themselves as integral partners in national development, especially in complex, long-term initiatives like nuclear energy that require persistent public engagement and trust.
Beyond Headlines: Sustained Scrutiny Needed
Adiki Ayitevi, former Vice President of Sustainability and External Relations at Newmont Ghana, and current Director of iFORA CommeEX, called on journalists to adopt a long-term lens when covering the nuclear agenda.
She emphasized the need for sustained scrutiny beyond press releases and launch events, highlighting four key areas for consistent media focus:
- Environmental Accountability – Monitoring pollution, waste disposal, and land use.
- Economic Sustainability – Tracking job creation, costs, and business opportunities.
- Cultural Heritage – Protecting sacred sites and community traditions.
- Transparency and Trust – Ensuring fair compensation, budgeting, and promise-keeping.
“The headlines alone are not enough,” she warned. “Our duty as journalists is to track progress, follow the money, and hold every stakeholder accountable.”
Ethics, Engagement, and Agenda Setting
Mr. Kofi Yeboah, Lecturer in Communication Studies at Wisconsin International University, stressed that journalists must maintain ethical standards, cultural sensitivity, and community engagement in their reporting.
Quoting Malcolm X, Yeboah said, “The media is the most powerful entity on earth; it can make the innocent guilty and the guilty innocent.” He reminded attendees that Article 162(5) of the 1992 Constitution enjoins the media to promote accountability, democracy, and development.
Yeboah encouraged journalists to:
- Simplify complex technical information for local audiences
- Avoid sensationalism and unverified reporting
- Embrace agenda-setting journalism by consistently highlighting development challenges
- Apply framing and context thoughtfully to shape public understanding
- Uphold truth and credibility, which he described as the “lifeblood of journalism”
A Step Toward a Smarter Energy Conversation
The NPG media training marked a significant step in preparing journalists to lead Ghana’s public discourse on nuclear energy with accuracy, balance, and foresight. With climate change, energy security, and economic development at the forefront of Ghana’s agenda, the media’s role in translating technical innovation into public trust and community development has never been more important.
By investing in the capacity of journalists, NPG is not only advancing its nuclear mandate but also fostering a media landscape capable of supporting Ghana’s sustainable energy transition.
Source: African Editors
