KEY POINTS
- IAEA experts completed a review of Ghana’s nuclear site selection.
- The evaluation covered safety standards, environmental risks, and infrastructure.
- Ghana aims to strengthen its energy security with nuclear power.
A team of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has completed an extensive review of Ghana’s site selection for its first nuclear power plant.
Conducted from February 14 to 21, 2025, the Site and External Events Design Review Service (SEED) mission evaluated the country’s adherence to international safety standards in selecting a location for the project.
Ghana is pursuing nuclear energy to enhance its low-carbon power generation, meet increasing electricity demand, and improve energy security.
The review, requested by the Government of Ghana and hosted by Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG), represents a major milestone in the country’s nuclear ambitions. The experts assessed the suitability of both a primary candidate site and an alternative location.
According to the IAEA, Ghana has made significant progress in its nuclear development, and the next step will involve site characterization—detailed evaluations to determine the most suitable site for the plant.
Global experts provide recommendations for nuclear safety
The SEED mission included specialists from Pakistan, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States, alongside an IAEA staff member.
Their review covered critical aspects such as site selection criteria, data collection methods, and overall management of siting activities.
The expert team visited both the candidate site in the Western Region and the alternative site in the Central Region.
Mission team leader Kazuyuki Nagasawa, a senior nuclear safety officer at the IAEA, praised Ghana’s approach, stating,
“The Site Approval Report has been systematically and thoroughly prepared, with strong government support. Ghana followed IAEA safety standards in selecting its nuclear site.”
The team also provided recommendations to further refine the selection process, emphasizing key factors such as seismic activity risks, flood vulnerability, extreme weather conditions, and the feasibility of emergency response plans.
According to Graphic Online, the IAEA commended Ghana for its leadership and management in ensuring safety throughout the process.
Ghana moves closer to nuclear energy development
Welcoming the IAEA review, Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana, underscored the importance of international technical assistance in guiding the project.
“This mission is crucial in ensuring that Ghana’s decisions are based on international best practices for safe and secure nuclear energy development,” he said.
Also, the IAEA will continue supporting Ghana throughout the site approval process, with a final SEED mission report set to be delivered to the government within three months.
Moreover, this marks a crucial step in Ghana’s efforts to diversify its energy mix and secure a stable, sustainable power supply for the future.
The government believes that nuclear energy will play a significant role in strengthening the country’s power infrastructure and economic growth.
