The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) is advocating increased investment in machine-based radiation technology as part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s nuclear infrastructure and expand peaceful applications of nuclear science across key sectors of the economy.
Director General of GAEC, Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare, said the country needs to transition increasingly from conventional radioactive sources to machine-based technologies, including electron beam facilities, to improve safety and expand radiation technology applications.
He made the remarks on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, when he addressed journalists from the Media for Nuclear Power Project during a tour of facilities at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission.
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According to Prof. Dampare, machine sources can perform functions traditionally associated with radioactive sources while addressing security and handling concerns.
He explained that Ghana could use electron beam technology for applications currently relying on radioactive sources, emphasising the importance of public support and awareness amid global security concerns about radioactive materials.
Prof. Dampare highlighted GAEC’s contribution to agricultural research through nuclear techniques and biotechnology. One of GAEC’s facilities has been designated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as a collaborative centre for mutation breeding and plant genetics—the first of its kind in Africa, attracting participants from other African countries for specialised training.
The Commission is also applying tissue culture technology to support production of crops such as plantain, banana, and pineapple, allowing plants to be propagated under controlled conditions before being transferred to farms.
Scientists are using genome editing techniques to develop improved crop varieties, working on tomatoes to reduce excessive water content affecting quality, with positive results expected by the end of 2026.
Prof. Dampare noted GAEC’s important role in healthcare, particularly in cancer diagnosis and treatment. The Commission is working with relevant institutions and the Ministry of Health to support radiotherapy facilities. Efforts are underway to establish two radiotherapy centres, with another facility being pursued for Tamale, helping expand access to cancer treatment and reducing the burden on existing centres.
The Director General explained research applications of GAEC’s 34-kilowatt research reactor, used for scientific analysis, training, and other peaceful applications. Samples such as hair, soil, and water can be analysed using the reactor and associated analytical systems. In forensic investigations, samples can be irradiated to identify their elemental characteristics, providing useful information for research and forensic applications.
GAEC is investigating pollution affecting Ghana’s water bodies, analysing samples to determine levels of various elements and assess relationships between surface-water pollution and surrounding environmental systems.
Prof. Dampare said scientific analysis is important because simply observing pollution does not provide enough information about specific contaminants or their concentrations, indicating that GAEC’s facilities can provide the scientific evidence needed to understand environmental challenges.
Prof. Dampare stressed GAEC’s role in training nuclear scientists, engineers, and specialists from Ghana and across Africa. About 20 trainees from other African countries are currently undergoing six-month training programmes in nuclear safety and related disciplines. The research reactor and other facilities provide practical training opportunities. He praised Ghanaian nuclear scientists who have returned after advanced training, including PhDs, to contribute to developing the next generation of nuclear professionals.
The Director General said GAEC’s work extends beyond nuclear power to healthcare, agriculture, environmental monitoring, education, research, and industrial applications.
He urged journalists of the Nuclear Power Project to help educate the public about peaceful applications of nuclear science and safeguards surrounding the technology.
Greater public understanding, he said, would be essential as Ghana continues efforts to develop its nuclear power programme.
Prof. Dampare maintained that Ghana already possesses significant scientific and technical capabilities and that investment in modern facilities, research, and human capital would be critical to unlocking the full benefits of nuclear technology.
He said GAEC would continue working with national and international partners to strengthen Ghana’s capacity and position the country as a centre for nuclear science, training, and peaceful technological applications in Africa.