By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG), under the auspices of the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, held a stakeholders’ engagement on Nuclear Power Ghana Limited’s draft bill in Accra.
The engagement brought together key industry leaders, policymakers, and media practitioners to share their views and make input on the draft legal framework “Nuclear Power Ghana Limited’s (NPGL) Draft Bill” to support Ghana’s nuclear power drive.
Addressing participants at the forum, held at the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) Conference Room, the Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Mr. Richard Gyan Mensah, reaffirmed the John Dramani Mahama-led government’s unwavering support for renewable energy options, including nuclear power.
“At first, when I heard of nuclear power or building a nuclear power plant, I cringed — until I saw nuclear power plants built in the midst of communities and the wonders they are performing in the operating countries’ economies. I have since become a strong advocate for the construction of nuclear power plants for electricity generation,” he said.
According to him, Ghana’s electricity consumption is likely to increase significantly with the expansion of towns and communities due to increasing population — especially with the rollout of the government’s flagship programme, the 24-Hour Economy Policy — and for that reason, everything should be done to ensure the realisation of Ghana’s dream of owning a nuclear power plant.
The Deputy Minister, highlighting some progress made so far in the attempt to construct a nuclear power plant, commended the team at NPG and its partners for the successful completion of Phases One and Two of Ghana’s nuclear power development project. “Another key milestone chalked is the site selection and vendor engagement,” he added.
Mr. Gyan Mensah continued further, saying, “Today’s engagement is not a mere formality. We are committed to transparency and accountability.”
He, therefore, impressed upon participants to identify the gaps in the draft bill and make proposals to shape it for the good of the country.
Meanwhile, the Board Chairman of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), who chaired the occasion, Ing. Dr. William Amuna, emphasized nuclear power’s potential to revolutionize Ghana’s energy landscape.
“The establishment of nuclear power plants will reduce reliance on fossil fuels, improve the economy, sustain the environment, drive industrialization, promote technological advancement, and enhance access to electricity,” Dr. Amuna said.
He emphasized the importance of safety and international compliance. “The NPGL draft bill will be grounded in strict adherence to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safety standards, cutting-edge technologies, and international best practices. It will also promote the exportation of Ghanaian expertise,” he explained.
Dr. Amuna also called on the drafting committee to uphold the national interest. “Let’s be guided by patriotism, and I urge all participants to contribute meaningfully for a fruitful discussion,” he reiterated.
