• Ghana’s Nuclear Power Program is progressing steadily, with a strong focus on regulatory excellence and safety.
• The country’s Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) and the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) have forged a significant partnership since the signing of a bilateral arrangement in 2017, facilitating the exchange of technical information and expertise.
• Ghana’s commitment to nuclear energy is backed by the adoption of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Milestones Approach, and the nation is actively exploring international collaborations for the successful implementation of nuclear power projects.

In a recent meeting between Ghana’s Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) and the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) chairman Christopher Hanson, both parties discussed their significant collaboration since the inaugural bilateral arrangement in 2017. The meeting aimed to foster the exchange of technical information and support Ghana in developing a regulatory program and framework for its planned nuclear energy projects.

During the meeting, Nii Kwashie Allotey, Director General of Ghana’s NRA, expressed gratitude for the longstanding partnership with the US NRC. Allotey emphasized the importance of the NRC’s expertise in establishing a strong, independent regulatory oversight program for Ghana’s nuclear energy endeavors. Such international partnerships, he stated, provide a solid foundation for the NRA’s oversight programs, ensuring they align with global standards and obligations to protect both people and the environment.

Hanson, who was on a visit to Ghana, praised the close cooperation with Ghana’s NRA in their efforts to develop a technically competent, independent regulatory program. He highlighted the critical role of a robust and transparent regulatory framework based on high safety standards in the successful adoption of nuclear technologies. The NRC chairman reaffirmed the commitment to support Ghana’s regulator and welcomed continued collaboration as the NRA progresses in establishing a comprehensive regulatory structure.

Throughout his visit to Ghana, Hanson also met with key stakeholders, including the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, the Ministry of Energy, and the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation. The discussions underscored the importance of regulatory independence in building public trust and confidence in nuclear energy development.

Ghana’s Nuclear Power Programme Organisation was established following a 2008 cabinet decision to incorporate nuclear energy into the country’s energy mix. In August 2013, Ghana declared its intention to pursue a nuclear power program for peaceful purposes through the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Subsequently, the NRA and Nuclear Power Ghana were established to oversee the implementation and coordination of the nuclear power program. Ghana adopted the IAEA’s Milestones Approach, a phased method guiding countries considering their first nuclear power plant.

Ghana has made significant progress in its nuclear energy plans, transitioning from the first phase of its three-phase program to the second phase, which involves preparatory work for the construction of a nuclear power plant. Last year, the country received responses from five vendors, including the USA, Russia, Canada, and South Korea, to its request for interest in assisting with the construction of the first plant. A contract for a 1 GWe plant is expected to be signed between 2024 and 2025. Notably, the USA, Japan, and Ghana have recently announced a strategic collaboration to support the deployment of small modular reactors in the West African nation.