Ghana receives nuclear safeguards equipment from the US
The Nuclear Regulatory Authority has received its first HM- 5 Identifier, a hand-held gamma ray spectrometer used for nuclear safeguards verification from the United States of America.
The equipment was received as part of the ongoing collaborations between the Authority and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) under the COMPASS Project.
COMPASS is an IAEA initiative that involves partnering with member states to help them develop their safeguards capabilities including guidance to fulfil safeguards obligations.
The equipment was presented to the Authority by the Charge d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Accra, Rolf Olson and was received by the at the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology.
According to the Acting Director General of the Authority, Professor Francis Otoo said the equipment donation reflects a deep commitment to strengthening the technical capacity and the shared dedication to uphold the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, safeguards and regulatory oversight by both Ghana and the United States of America.
In his remarks, the Director of the Nuclear Installations at the Authority, Professor Emmanuel Ampomah-Amoako, provided some background to the COMPASS Project and the associated request for equipment support to enable the Nuclear Safeguards Department to discharge its duties in performing effective inspections, which is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons in Ghana.
The Charge d’Affaires, Rolf Olson, expressed America’s commitment in ensuring that support is offered in areas where there is collaboration between the two countries.
“Ghana has come very far in building its reputation in the area of technological development and we hope this equipment will provide the necessary support to the NRA in the discharge of its regulatory mandate” he said.
The ministry expressed its appreciation for the support offered by the US through the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), International Nuclear Safeguards Engagement Program (INSEP) and the US Department of State (USDoE).
The Acting Head of the Nuclear Safeguards Department at the Authority, Lawrence Ameh, expressed its gratitude to the US team and by extension to INSEP for the gesture of support.
He assured the team of the Department’s commitment to employ the equipment in their extensive nuclear safeguards activities especially the conduct of inspections and verification at the various facilities within the country.
SP
How Virtual Reality is enhancing business and customer experience