The construction of a nuclear plant in Ghana depends on the Ghana Nuclear Regulatory Bill that is awaiting presidential assent.
The Bill when fully operational will establish the Ghana Nuclear Regulatory Authority with clear functions and responsibilities and to provide for the beneficial and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) did sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the State Atomic Energy Corporation of the Federation of Russia (ROSATOM) to construct a Nuclear Power Plant in Ghana.
According to the agreement signed the nuclear plant will have Russian power units 1000- 1,200 MW corresponding to the ROSATOM comprehensive proposal. Safe disposal of nuclear waste generation will be emphasized to ensure the environment; People and their property are safe from harm. In this regard, the Radioactive Waste Management Regulations and a Radioactive Waste Management Policy and Strategy have been introduced.
This comes right after the parliament approve several relevant international conventions such as the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident, Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency and the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage.
Besides, about 1,593 radiation workers in hospitals, mines, oil and gas sector, research and education institutions are being monitored and instructed for radiation exposure, inspections and enforcements requirements under LI 1559 of 1993 to be conducted during the operators of nuclear facilities on nuclear safety training session culture which is currently ongoing.
Additionally, Nuclear Security Infrastructure are being upgraded at various nuclear facilities in the country among them is the Radiotherapy Centres at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). Takoradi, and Tema ports are also among the list whereby nuclear security training is provided to the national security agencies like Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) and the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS).
Since Ghana is currently hosting the African Network for Education in Science and Technology (AFRA-NEST), Graduate School of Nuclear & Allied Sciences (SNAS) will be the designated Centre for Nuclear Science education in Africa offering an ICT for web-based education and training for Human Resource Development (HRD) and Nuclear Knowledge Management (NKM).
The nuclear plant in Ghana seeks to boost electricity supply in the country that grapples with power deficit.
