Ghana is accelerating preparations to deploy nuclear power for civilian use, positioning the technology as a long-term pillar of its energy mix and a potential export earner within West Africa.
The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson met with a delegation from Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG), led by Executive Chief Director Stephen Yamoah, to review progress on the country’s nuclear energy programme.
The delegation briefed the minister on milestones achieved so far, including site assessments, community engagement processes, vendor technology selection and capacity-building initiatives. Infrastructure development and regulatory compliance measures aimed at meeting international safety standards were also outlined, as authorities move to lay the groundwork for a nuclear power plant.
The programme forms part of Ghana’s broader strategy to diversify its energy sources and strengthen long-term generation capacity. Officials say nuclear power is being pursued strictly for peaceful and civil purposes, with an emphasis on safety and regulatory oversight.
NPG also detailed plans for integrating nuclear power into the national grid and leveraging the West African Power Pool to export surplus electricity across the sub-region. The initiative is expected to enhance grid stability domestically while reinforcing Ghana’s role in regional energy trade.
The West African Power Pool, a specialized institution of ECOWAS, seeks to create a unified regional electricity market. Ghana, already an exporter of power to neighboring countries during periods of excess generation, is aiming to consolidate its position as a key energy hub.
Quayson commended Nuclear Power Ghana’s strategic implementation framework and reiterated the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s support for initiatives that promote the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technology. He underscored the importance of strict adherence to international safety standards and deeper collaboration with domestic and international stakeholders.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to strengthen cooperation between the ministry and Nuclear Power Ghana, signaling diplomatic backing for the programme as Ghana seeks to mobilize technical partnerships and potentially secure international support for its nuclear ambitions.
If realized, the project would mark a significant shift in Ghana’s energy architecture, anchoring baseload generation in nuclear power while expanding the country’s footprint in West Africa’s evolving electricity market.
