Nuclear Power Programme apex body needs to be operational to meet timelines -Kufuor
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has urged the government to take the needed steps to activate the operations of the Ghana Nuclear Power Programme Organisation (GNPPO) – the advisory body in charge of the coordination for the Nuclear Power Programme, since the technical coordination is already active.
He said its repositioning at the Presidency should fast-track the reconstitution of its membership and inauguration so that the technical team is given the needed resources to execute its activities to meet the set timelines.
Former President Kufuor said this when the Board Chairman and Management of Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG) paid a courtesy call to him to brief him on the status of the nuclear project in Accra.
The delegation was led by Prof. Benjamin. J. B. Nyarko, NPG Board Chairman, Dr Kwaku Aning, the Board Chairman of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), Dr Stephen Yamoah, the Executive Director of NPG, Mr. Franklin Addai, the NPG Board Secretary, and Mrs Bellona-Gerard Vittor-Quao, the Public Affairs Manager, NPG.
Former President Kufuor encouraged the team responsible for vendor selection to ensure transparency, value for money, and compliance with technology requirements.
He mentioned that the technology adopted must act as a driver for industrial and economic growth. He further advised the NPG to follow up on all required initiatives, seek relevant assistance, and also undertake effective public and community engagement about the strides made and the opportunities inherent in the project for the nation.
Former President Kufuor encouraged the NPG and GAEC to ensure that their scientists with expertise develop entrepreneurial skills to enhance their market relevance.
He assured the delegation of his support for the Project and expressed his willingness and availability to champion any action and serve as a liaison when needed.
Prof. Benjamin. J. B. Nyarko shared with Former President Kufuor the key areas of the Project, notably, Site selection/prioritisation, Vendor engagements, Stakeholders’ engagement, and Project financing.
Although successive Presidents have contributed to the country’s nuclear power journey, Former President Kufuor saw it as part of the solution to the country’s energy problems.
He initiated a Presidential Committee headed by the late Professor Adjei-Bekoe, which recommended that given the political will and timely allocation of adequate resources, Ghana could have a nuclear electricity generating capacity within a short period.
The report projected a nuclear electricity generating capacity for the country by the year 2018. With adequate resources and commitment, the Committee said it could be shorter.
Source: GNA
