Ghana is intensifying efforts to advance its nuclear power programme, aiming to complete the second phase of development and initiate preparatory steps toward plant construction under international guidelines.
The Director of the Nuclear Power Institute at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Dr. Archibold Buah-Kwofie, said in an interview in Accra that Phase Two activities were critical to determining how quickly the country could move to the construction stage.
Phase Two of the programme includes site studies, public engagement, institutional strengthening and negotiations with potential vendors, forming the foundation for Phase Three – the plant construction phase – under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Milestones Approach.
Dr. Buah-Kwofie said his immediate priority was to complete most outstanding Phase Two tasks while initiating preliminary construction-related work such as site characterisation and reinforcing project management structures.
He explained that the IAEA framework requires countries to meet technical, legal, financial and regulatory benchmarks across three progressive phases, with 19 infrastructure issues identified for compliance before construction begins.
While Ghana has made steady progress since completing initial readiness assessments under Phase One, Dr. Buah-Kwofie acknowledged that implementation has been slower than anticipated due to challenges typical of emerging nuclear programmes.
Funding constraints among key institutions and competing national priorities have delayed some activities, though he described the project as a strategic national initiative deserving sustained government backing.
To strengthen public understanding, the institute has launched a Nuclear Information, Communication and Education Campaign to raise awareness about nuclear technology and its broader applications beyond electricity generation.
Dr. Buah-Kwofie expressed optimism that continued government support and collaboration with development partners would unlock resources needed to accelerate implementation.
He also urged the media to promote accurate reporting on nuclear energy, saying informed public discourse would be essential as Ghana positions itself to join the ranks of countries pursuing civilian nuclear power.