The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has commended the country for her methodical steps taken in acquiring a nuclear energy plant.
The Head of the IAEA’s International Nuclear Infrastructure Review, INIR Mission, Anthony Stott, who is leading a team to follow-up on recommendations made two years ago, said Ghana is in good progress in acquiring a nuclear plant.
He said the IAEA is ready to support where the country needs assistance.
In preparation towards acquiring a nuclear plant, every country goes through 19 infrastructure issues at each stage of the three phases towards nuclear plant development.
The issues include nuclear safety, human resource development, radioactive waste management, environmental protection and industrial involvement.
The INIR mission is in the country on a follow-up to a previous mission in 2017, during which it made some recommendations pertaining to some of the infrastructure issues.
The Acting Director of Nuclear Power-Institute, Dr. Seth Debrah stated that all the recommendations and suggestions by the INIR mission have been addressed.
The recommendations included studies on electrical grid, public opinion survey, phase one citing consideration and the setting up of owner-operator as well as organisations welcoming the INIR Mission, a Deputy Minister of Energy, William Owuraku Aidoo acknowledged the importance of nuclear energy towards industrializing the country.
He stated that since the technology is based on security and safety, careful planning is needed and Ghana is focused to ensure that.
The Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana, Engineer Theophilus Okai said the construction of the nuclear plant will start by 2025 and will become operational by 2030.