By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
The world is currently at a turning point where creative and sustainable solutions are required to meet the world’s rising energy demands, and Ghana is no exception.
As of 2023, Ghana does not have a nuclear power plant in its energy mix. However, the country has expressed interest in developing nuclear power as part of its energy mix to meet the increasing demand for electricity.
The development of nuclear power is said to offer great promise in this direction, but it also necessitates a firm commitment to the safety of people and the environment.
To this end a day’s forum on Ghana’s Nuclear Power Programme put together by the Ghana Nuclear Power Programme Organization (GNPPO) and Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG) in collaboration with JAIF International Cooperation Centre (JICC) Japan to provide stakeholders updates on the status of the Ghana Nuclear Power Infrastructure Development and to also learn from the unique experience of the Japanese nuclear industry – pre-and-post Fukushima accidents) has ended in Accra.
Addressing participants at the forum, on behalf of the sector, the Deputy Minister for Energy, Mr. Andrew Agyapa Mercer reiterated that the government is committed to spearheading the volume of tasks needed to accelerate the third phase of Ghana’s nuclear power programme.
According to him, as the country continues to develop its energy sector, the government has announced plans to move forward with the second phase of its nuclear power programme. This phase is set to begin in 2023 and will focus on the construction of a new nuclear power plant.
The Deputy Energy Minister admitted that Ghana needs nuclear power plant to meet its total energy demands, saying “With nuclear power plant, Ghana stands to benefit from high energy security due to diversified baseload fuel mix and access to the future green trade market”.
He explained that the cost of replacing or switching fuel in the transportation sector is estimated at $12.3 billion.
In 2015, Ghana signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Russia’s Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation to cooperate in the development of nuclear energy. The agreement includes the construction of a nuclear power plant, the establishment of a nuclear research center, and the training of personnel.
The government of Ghana has also established the Ghana Nuclear Power Programme Organization (GNPPO) to oversee the development of the country’s nuclear power program.
In addition to the construction of the new plant, the government is also investing in the training of personnel to operate and maintain the facility. This includes sending engineers and technicians to other countries with established nuclear power programmes for training and experience.
Mr. Agyapa Mercer is hopeful that the construction of Ghana’s first Nuclear Power Plant, which is phase 3 of the nuclear agenda, will commence according to the national nuclear roadmap.
“The production of adequate electrical power will serve as a strong backbone for the West African Power Pool (WAPP) and provide affordable electricity to Ghana and its neighbours,” he added.
The Deputy Energy Minister is there urging all relevant institutions and stakeholders who were present at the forum to put in their best and carefully analyse the facts and information at their disposal to positively support the Ghana Nuclear programme.
The Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Mochizuki Hisanobu in his address observed that the forum presents an excellent opportunity to discuss the peaceful use of nuclear power.
In another development, the Director of the Nuclear Power Institute at Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) Prof. Seth Kofi Debrah expressed confidence that establishing a nuclear power plant in Ghana is the potential for economic development.
According to him, the second phase of Ghana’s nuclear power programme represents a significant step forward in the country’s energy development. With careful planning and implementation, it has the potential to provide a reliable and sustainable source of energy for years to come.
Director General of Ghana Atomic Energy Commission Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare, said, “The forum presents an opportunity for knowledge transfer. The agenda for accelerating economic growth cannot be achieved based on only fossil fuels because nuclear power is reliable”.
