Ghana has reaffirmed its readiness to respond effectively to any potential nuclear or radiological emergency as the country advances plans to introduce nuclear power into its energy mix.
Authorities said the country’s emergency preparedness framework, anchored by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), was designed to minimise the impact of any nuclear incident on people, property and the environment through coordinated institutional action.
The assurance was given during a virtual media workshop organised by Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG) to enhance public understanding of nuclear energy and strengthen responsible media reporting on nuclear safety issues.
Ms Alberta Blay, a member of the Engineering Development Team at NPG, said Ghana’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Programme had established clear institutional responsibilities, communication systems and response procedures to ensure prompt action during any emergency.
She said NADMO served as the lead coordinating agency, working closely with relevant state institutions to deliver a swift and effective response to nuclear or radiological incidents.
“In Ghana, emergency preparedness for nuclear incidents is built on strong coordination, with NADMO leading and working together with relevant state institutions to protect lives, property and the environment,” Ms Blay stated.
She explained that the national framework covered key areas, including emergency classification, early notification, incident assessment, public communication, protective actions against radiation exposure and post-incident recovery.
Ms Blay, who is seconded from the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, continuous training through drills and simulation exercises formed an integral part of the preparedness programme, helping to maintain a high level of operational readiness among participating institutions.
She noted that the framework was also designed to address potential radiation hazards, including external exposure from airborne radioactive releases and internal exposure through inhalation or ingestion of contaminated materials.
She stressed that comprehensive preparedness measures had been developed to effectively manage such scenarios and minimise risks to the public and the environment.
Dr Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director of NPG, said the country was still assessing its technology options as part of preparations for the establishment of a nuclear power programme.
He said Ghana was considering both large conventional reactors and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with detailed evaluations ongoing to determine the most suitable option for the country’s long-term energy needs.
Dr Yamoah said SMRs offered several advantages, including their compact size, modular construction and passive safety systems that relied on natural forces such as gravity and convection to enhance safety during emergency situations.
He, however, acknowledged that nuclear power development involved significant challenges, including high capital investment requirements, lengthy construction periods and the need for specialised infrastructure, technical expertise and robust regulatory systems.
The discussions also highlighted Ghana’s current electricity generation mix, which remains dominated by thermal power, complemented by hydropower and an increasing, though still relatively modest, contribution from renewable energy sources.
With electricity demand expected to grow steadily as a result of industrialisation and economic expansion, officials said nuclear energy could provide reliable baseload power while reducing dependence on imported fuels and supporting long-term energy security.
Participants at the workshop were also briefed on Ghana’s broader energy transition strategy, which seeks to diversify the country’s energy sources with reliable, sustainable and low-carbon electricity generation options.
The media engagement formed part of ongoing efforts by Nuclear Power Ghana to build public confidence in the country’s nuclear programme and equip journalists with accurate information to report responsibly on nuclear energy, safety and emergency preparedness as Ghana progresses towards its nuclear power ambitions.
