Ghana’s steady journey toward nuclear energy has reached an important milestone that focuses on the systems, discipline and safeguards needed to run a nuclear programme safely.
After six years of work, Ghana has completed a European Union–funded project designed to strengthen the country’s Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA). The initiative, implemented through the EU’s Instrument for International Nuclear Safety Cooperation, has concluded with one clear message: Ghana is putting the right structures in place long before any nuclear plant begins to take shape.
The EUR 1.75 million project began in 2019 at a time when discussions about nuclear power were still early. Today, those discussions are maturing into real planning and the NRA needed the expertise and independence to keep pace.
At a closing ceremony in Accra, the Director of Science and Technology at the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Mr. Kwamena Essilfie Quaison, and the Deputy EU Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Jonas Claes, reflected on the progress made.
Mr. Claes praised Ghana’s consistency, noting that the partnership, backed by European technical knowledge and aligned with international standards, is helping Ghana move toward nuclear energy safely and responsibly. He said the work being done protects communities, safeguards the environment and positions Ghana as an example in safe, sustainable energy development.
“The European Union commends Ghana’s progress in establishing a robust and independent nuclear regulatory system and encourages continued efforts to strengthen the Authority’s autonomy and capacity to uphold the highest standards of safety and transparency,” the Deputy Ambassador stated.
Mr. Quaison outlined the practical gains. These include the review and approval of Ghana’s Nuclear and Radiation Safety Policy, five key regulations now completed and awaiting approval, and the significant advancement toward ISO 9001:2015 audit certification for the Authority’s Integrated Management System. He said these achievements reflect six years of focused work supported by European partners.
Throughout the project, the NRA received hands-on training, workshops and capacity-building sessions in Hungary, Slovenia and Slovakia. These efforts strengthened Ghana’s regulatory frameworks and prepared the Authority for overseeing an eventual nuclear plant, from licensing to construction to long-term safety reviews.
Ghana’s progress has been recognised internationally. In December 2024, the International Atomic Energy Agency commended the country for its commitment to strengthening nuclear and radiation safety. The project also supported Ghana’s preparations for a future regulatory review mission, ensuring self-assessment and institutional readiness.
The initiative was carried out by a consortium of European nuclear regulators and technical experts from Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia and Austria, demonstrating the depth of expertise devoted to Ghana’s regulatory development.
Support will continue. The EU has launched a new regional project for 2025 to further enhance the NRA’s capacity, technical competence and independence. It is also continuing support for the African Commission on Nuclear Energy to advance the continent’s commitment to the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technology.
For Ghana, this milestone shows a clear commitment to investing in safety, structure and professional readiness as the country moves toward nuclear energy.
