The Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG), Dr. Stephen Yamoah, has emphasized that Ghana’s nuclear energy initiative has moved beyond political partisanship and now enjoys steady, cross-governmental support.
“It’s no longer a question of if Ghana will adopt nuclear power but when,” Dr. Yamoah stated confidently during a media workshop held on March 27, 2025, to provide updates on progress made so far.
“There’s real commitment from government, and our ministries — now MEST and the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition — are fully behind us,” he added.
Financing and Development
Dr. Yamoah noted that the programme is currently focused on securing financing to transition into the full development phase. With strategic planning and international interest, momentum is building to move the project forward.
Ghana is actively progressing toward becoming a nuclear power nation. Two potential sites for the first nuclear power plant have been identified, with the next phase involving detailed site characterization.
According to Dr. Yahmoah, NPG is working closely with the Lands Commission and regional offices to develop site plans.
Meteorological equipment, he said, is being installed to gather critical environmental data such as temperature, wind speed, and coastal erosion. Oceanographic tools are also being acquired to match the plant’s planned coastal location.
He indicated that to safeguard future generations, NPG is conducting baseline environmental and health studies.
He said, “We’re collecting data now to ensure no unfounded health claims arise in the future.”
Technology options
Ghana, he said, has signed framework agreements with major international players. These include China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), which is offering large reactors through a Build-Operate-Transfer model, and U.S.-based Revenue Technology Group (RTG), which is developing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in collaboration with technology provider Mooscale.
“We are also in talks with partners from Japan and South Korea on SMR technology,” Dr. Yamoah revealed.
Additionally, Ghana is working with French company EDF on capacity building and has received a €1 million grant from the French Development Agency (AFD) to study grid integration and workforce development.
Building local expertise
A standout milestone is the installation of a nuclear simulator at the School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences — one of only four in the world.
“This simulator is a game-changer for building local expertise and training professionals across West Africa,” said Dr. Yamoah.
He added that Ghana’s success could set a precedent for other African countries, stressing that except for Egypt and South Africa, many African nations are watching Ghana to succeed and then follow.
He disclosed that to ensure sustained public engagement, NPG will partner with UNIMAC to conduct a media awareness survey in 2025 and prepare for a broader national perception survey in 2027.
He emphasized the media’s critical role: “Your participation in the LEADER programme has been invaluable. Through your efforts, we’ve reached communities across the country.”
He called for continued collaboration with media, including through social platforms, to enhance public understanding of nuclear energy’s benefits.
More than just electricity
Dr. Yamoah stressed that Ghana’s nuclear journey is not solely about electricity but about holistic national development.
“Nuclear power can energize industries, improve healthcare, secure water, boost agriculture, and make Ghana a hub for technological innovation and training,” he said.
As Ghana lays the foundation for a nuclear-powered future, the message is clear: The commitment is deep, the groundwork is underway, and the nation is accelerating toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
By Osumanu Al-Hassan/thenewsbulletin24.com