A European Union (EU) initiative to strengthen Ghana’s nuclear regulatory framework and safety systems has concluded after six years. The project, Support to the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) of Ghana, was launched in September 2019 with a total funding of €1.75m ($1.7m under the European Instrument for International Nuclear Safety Cooperation (INSC).
Its purpose was to enhance the capacity, independence and technical competence of the NRA, as Ghana prepares to establish its first NPP. The project was implemented by a consortium of European Nuclear Regulatory authorities and experts, including the Hungarian Atomic Energy Agency (Hungary), Slovenian Nuclear Safety Administration (Slovenia), Nuclear Regulatory Authority of the Slovak Republic (Slovakia) and ENCO Consulting, a nuclear safety consultancy based in Austria.
They provided mentorship, technical advice, and hands-on training to strengthen Ghana’s institutional readiness for nuclear power development. These programmes built local expertise in nuclear safety assessment, licensing procedures, radiation protection, and emergency preparedness
The closing ceremony in Accra was attended by representatives from Ghana’s Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology & Innovation (MESTI), the European Union Delegation to Ghana and several European nuclear safety institutions Kwamena Essilfie Quaison, Director of Science & Technology at MESTI and Jonas Claes, Deputy Ambassador of the European Union to Ghana addressed the event.
“This partnership, supported by European expertise and guided by the International Atomic Energy Agency’s recommendations, is helping Ghana to develop its nuclear sector safely and responsibly,” said Claes. “Together, we are protecting communities, safeguarding the environment, and setting a standard for the region in safe and sustainable energy development.”
He added: “The EU is fully committed to nuclear safety as a common, non-negotiable objective. History shows that ensuring nuclear safety requires cooperation, competence, and trust. Through this project, we have worked together to promote safety, transparency, and independence within Ghana’s regulatory system.”
Quaison described the major achievements Ghana has recorded under the INSC project. These include approval of the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Policy and the development of nine new nuclear safety regulations, five of which are currently under review by the Attorney-General’s Department.
“The approval of the Safety Policy and the ongoing review of regulations covering site evaluation, licensing, construction and design are clear evidence of the progress achieved through this collaboration,” he noted. “The support from our European partners has been invaluable in strengthening the Authority’s operations and enhancing public confidence in the safety of Ghana’s nuclear programme.”
He said NRA is finalising arrangements for an audit of its Integrated Management System under ISO 9001:2015, expected to be completed by the end of the year with EU support.
The collaboration also helped Ghana prepare for an Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) mission of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including a nationwide self-assessment of nuclear and radiation safety systems. In December 2024, IAEA recognised Ghana’s commitment to continuous improvement in nuclear and radiation safety, commending the NRA for aligning its operations with international best practices.
