The Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana, Dr Stephen Yamoah, has stressed that Ghana’s nuclear power programme is not merely about adding megawatts to the national grid but about driving industrial growth, knowledge transfer and long-term economic transformation.
He said this at a media workshop in Accra on Thursday, organised to educate journalists on the broader objectives of the country’s nuclear agenda.
“Right from the onset, this programme had an objective, a goal, and a value. It’s not just about adding electrons to the grid or increasing megawatts. Nuclear is supposed to be a catalyst, a springboard for industrial growth that can transform our economy. That is the real purpose of the nuclear programme,” Dr Yamoah said.
He explained that Ghana’s nuclear initiative was designed to provide a reliable and sustainable base-load power source while reducing dependence on hydro and fossil fuels.
Beyond that, he said, the programme aimed at positioning Ghana as a regional power hub, boosting local industries, creating jobs and ensuring technology transfer.
Dr Yamoah cautioned against reducing the initiative to mere power purchase agreements, stressing that Ghana stood to gain little if foreign vendors simply supplied electricity without transferring knowledge or building local competence.
“The nuclear programme is not to create a bucket for a supplier to come and sell electricity. If we do that, we gain no knowledge, no technological transfer, no competence. That is not the goal,” he said.
He outlined milestones on the roadmap to 2027/2028, which include completion of site acquisition and characterization, environmental impact assessment, negotiations with project vendors, creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle for the Small Modular Reactor project, public perception surveys, regulatory approvals and feasibility studies.
According to him, some of the arrangements were structured as public-private partnerships to encourage private sector involvement, while the programme would deliberately integrate local industries and skills development.
“Nuclear is not a quick fix. It requires deliberate effort. We are committed to involving local industries, creating jobs, and acquiring knowledge that will eventually position Ghana as a leader, even supporting other countries in the sub-region,” he added.
Mr Maxwell Wumbilla Salifu, Director of General Services at the Bui Power Authority, speaking on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Ing. Kow Eduakwa Sam, stressed the critical role of the media in building public trust in nuclear projects.
He said technology alone could not succeed without public acceptance and urged journalists to help dispel misconceptions about nuclear energy.
Madam Adiki Ofeibea Ayitevie, Vice President of Sustainability and External Relations at Newmont Africa, also urged the media to go beyond event reporting and commit to long-term accountability by holding government agencies, regulators and private partners responsible throughout the project’s lifecycle.
Former General Secretary of the Ghana Journalists Association, Mr Kofi Yeboah, reminded journalists to uphold integrity, warning that unverified or sensational reports could cause real harm to national development.
Drawing from international best practice, Madam Kelle Barfield underscored the importance of inclusive community engagement, urging stakeholders to communicate clearly, build trust through transparency, and consult widely with local leaders, youth, women and academics.
The workshop, held under the theme “Media Practice: A Bridge for Building a Sustainable Community Development,” highlighted the shared responsibility between the media and stakeholders in advancing Ghana’s nuclear energy agenda with accuracy, openness and accountability.
