A newly-appointed Governing Board for the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has been sworn in at the Ministry of Environment, Science & Technology (MEST). The ceremony was presided over by Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Acting Minister for MEST and Minister for Lands & Natural Resources, on behalf of President John Mahama.
The seven-member Governing Board is chaired by Professor Abdulai Baba Salifu, with Professor Francis Gbogbo, Dr Sena Akosua Yvonne Loh, Professor Langbong Bimi, Suweibatu Adam (Chief Director of MEST), Albert Quashigah, and Professor Samuel Boakye Dampare (Director-General of GAEC) as members.
Acting Minister Buah said the new Board’s stewardship comes at a crucial moment in Ghana’s Nuclear Power Programme, which is steadily advancing through Phase II of the IAEA’s three-phase Milestones approach, preparing the way for the establishment of a NPP to diversify Ghana’s energy sources.
“Your commitment to ensuring that the Commission meets international nuclear safety and regulatory standards is crucial, as Ghana works closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to advance this ambitious national project,” he stated.
He added that ongoing policy processes aim to review the GAEC Act (Act 508) to strengthen and strategically position the Commission for maximum impact. He urged the Board to support the process with urgency and fresh ideas to enrich the reforms.
He also charged the Board to address encroachment on GAEC lands, describing them as critical national assets hosting strategic research, training and nuclear facilities. He emphasised that protecting the lands is vital for both current operations and the future expansion of Ghana’s nuclear programme.
“In carrying out your mandate, I encourage you to strengthen research collaborations, promote innovation in the peaceful applications of nuclear technology in areas such as health, agriculture, industry, and environmental management, and ensure that GAEC continues to be a centre of excellence in nuclear science and technology on the African continent,” he said.
On behalf of the Board, Chairman Professor Abdulai Baba Salifu outlined plans to establish a health facility specialising in nuclear technologies for treating non-communicable diseases and reaffirmed support for efforts to build Ghana’s first NPP.
The ceremony was attended by GAEC management and staff, including Deputy Director-General Professor Francis Hasford; Director of Administration, William Srekumah; Deputy Director of Finance, Eli Aniabo; Director of the Radiological & Medical Sciences Research Institute, Dr Theodosia Adom; Head of Legal Affairs, Madam Susana Nyarkoa Addo; and representatives of the Commercialisation & Communication Directorate, Dr Mark Kwasi Sarfo and Joshua Yeboah.
