Ghana is intensifying efforts to establish its first nuclear power plant by 2030 as part of a broader strategy to ensure energy security and combat climate change. At a stakeholder engagement organized by Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG) in Accra, energy leaders and civil society organizations rallied behind the project, describing it as a transformative solution to the country’s energy and environmental challenges.
Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare, Director General of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), underscored the importance of nuclear energy for Ghana’s future. “We need nuclear energy to ensure stable power in Ghana and tackle emerging climate change issues,” he stated. Ghana’s current reliance on hydropower and thermal energy is increasingly strained by rising electricity demands, making nuclear energy a viable option to diversify the country’s energy mix.
Roadmap to Ghana’s Nuclear Future
Ghana’s nuclear program is following the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) milestone approach for countries seeking to develop nuclear power capabilities. Dr. Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director of NPG, explained that the country is in phase two of the program, which focuses on site selection, vendor engagement, and technical preparations.
“This phase will be followed by plant commissioning and eventual operation. Ghana must diversify its energy portfolio to meet growing demands sustainably,” Dr. Yamoah remarked.
The program has already identified potential sites for the plant, and partnerships with the IAEA, Russia, and other international stakeholders are helping to guide the process.
Advocacy for Policy and Funding
Stakeholders at the engagement emphasized the need for strong legislative and financial support to realize the nuclear agenda. Prof. Benjamin J.B. Nyarko, Board Chairman of NPG and former GAEC Director General, called for increased budgetary allocations to sustain momentum.
Nana Amoasi VII, Executive Director of the Institute of Energy Security (IES), urged the swift passage of the Nuclear Power Bill, which will provide the legal framework needed to facilitate the project. “We need the Nuclear Power Bill passed to create the enabling environment for this initiative,” he said.
The Case for Nuclear Energy
Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, Head of the University of Ghana’s Department of Physics, highlighted the strategic benefits of nuclear energy. “As a country, we haven’t reached our energy generation aspirations. Every developed country utilizes nuclear power, and we can achieve sustainable development through it,” she said, referencing South Africa’s operational nuclear power plant and Egypt’s progress as models for Ghana to follow.
Key Issues Discussed
The engagement also featured detailed discussions on nuclear safety, waste management, human capital development, and the economic and social impacts of the nuclear power plant. Participants explored strategies to manage risks while maximizing benefits for local communities, ensuring that the project aligns with Ghana’s development goals.
A Vision for Sustainability
The nuclear power plant is expected to become operational within the next decade, positioning Ghana as a leader in sustainable energy development in sub-Saharan Africa. With a focus on reducing carbon emissions and meeting rising energy demands, the project is set to transform Ghana’s energy landscape.
Stakeholders agreed that continued advocacy, investment, and collaboration are crucial to ensuring the success of the initiative. The call for a national dialogue on nuclear energy underscores the need for transparency and public engagement as Ghana transitions to a new era of energy generation.
