Executive Director of Nuclear Power Generation Ghana (NPG), Stephen Yamoah, has stressed the importance of nuclear energy in resolving the country’s prevalent electricity instability.
He said the company is therefore accelerating efforts to build nuclear power plants to add to its existing energy supply mix.
“To ensure the success of the nuclear power project, the Department of Energy and NPG have been active internationally, discussing vendor issues and evaluating proposals. These meetings are very important as they allow us to evaluate the best technical and operational solutions for our project, leading to the conclusion of several important agreements.”
The first is the signing of a cooperation and framework agreement between NPG and CNNC Overseas Limited to construct large-scale nuclear reactor projects and upgrade Ghana’s electricity grid infrastructure to accommodate additional power generation and ensure efficient distribution across the country.
“The second are two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) recently signed between Ghana and the United States through the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) and a contractual agreement to establish a Regional Welding Certification Programme and provide GAEC with a NuScale Exploration (E2) Centre,” Yamoah revealed at the launch of a three-day workshop for journalists held in Accra on June 4, 2024.
The workshop, themed “Media Support for Nuclear Power Projects – The Journey So Far”, will bring together over 30 journalists from broadcast, print and online media.
Yamoah said: “The Regional Welding Certification Initiative seeks to establish a comprehensive training program that will equip Ghanaian engineers with welding expertise and prepare them for the demands of Ghana’s nuclear power plant construction projects. NuScale Power’s Small Modular Reactor (SMR) control room simulator facility, the NuScale Exploration Centre, will provide hands-on training for future nuclear operators and engineers. It will also position Ghana as a regional hub for nuclear education and training to support the deployment of safe and secure civilian nuclear power in Africa.”
“These agreements are nothing but a testament to the trust and confidence in Ghana’s nuclear power endeavors and the good relationships that Ghana has with these vendors and their willingness to help deliver Ghana’s nuclear power projects,” he added.
The NPG head therefore emphasised the important role the media plays in ensuring Ghanaians accept nuclear power as a clean, safe, secure and reliable source of energy.
“This collaboration has extended to the media and has included educating and raising public awareness to clear up misconceptions, creating an informed public and building public trust by providing transparent and factual information on project progress, safety measures and regulatory frameworks,” he said.
Yamoah added that journalists are expected to facilitate discussion and debate on nuclear power to address public concerns and garner support for the project, inform the public and highlight project status by highlighting key achievements and partnerships in Ghana’s nuclear journey, and participate in NPG workshops and other nuclear training programmes and events to equip themselves with the knowledge for accurate and effective reporting.
In his address, the President of the Ghana Association of Journalists, Mr. Albert Kwabena Dumfo, said the theme highlighted the existing relationship between the NPG and the Ghana Association of Journalists.
He asserted the cleanliness and safety of nuclear power.
“Nuclear power is a reliable source of energy. We must educate the public about the importance of nuclear power for a low-carbon future and help change public opinion. Nuclear power is the way to go,” he stressed.
Dumfour promised to provide opportunities for discussion among GJA members on media platforms to dispel misconceptions about nuclear power.