Ghana has reaffirmed its preparedness to respond to any nuclear or radiological emergency, with authorities outlining a coordinated national response framework led by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).
Speaking during a virtual media workshop organised by Nuclear Power Ghana, Alberta Blay, a member of the Engineering Development team at Nuclear Power Ghana seconded from the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, said the country’s emergency preparedness system is designed to protect lives, property and the environment in the event of a nuclear incident.
She said NADMO serves as the lead coordinating agency, working with relevant state institutions under an Emergency Preparedness and Response Programme that defines roles and responsibilities, communication systems, emergency classification, early notification, public information, radiation protection measures and post-incident recovery.
According to Ms. Blay, the programme is regularly tested through training exercises, drills and simulations to ensure operational readiness. She added that the framework also addresses potential radiation risks, including external exposure from airborne releases and internal exposure through contaminated food, water or air.
Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana, Dr. Stephen Yamoah, said Ghana is evaluating both Large Reactors and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as part of its nuclear power programme.
He noted that SMRs offer advantages such as modular construction, smaller footprints and passive safety systems that rely on natural forces, while acknowledging that nuclear power development requires substantial investment, specialised infrastructure and a robust regulatory regime.
Officials said nuclear power is expected to complement Ghana’s existing energy mix by providing reliable baseload electricity, reducing dependence on imported fuels and supporting the country’s growing electricity demand driven by industrialisation and economic growth.
The media workshop forms part of Nuclear Power Ghana’s public engagement efforts to improve understanding of nuclear energy and strengthen accurate reporting as Ghana progresses with its nuclear power programme.