The Chairman of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC), Mr Christopher T. Hanson, has paid a working visit to the Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Ghana.
The visit was to cement the continuing partnership between the USNRC and the NRA, initiated by the signing of an inaugural bilateral arrangement for cooperation and the exchange of technical information back in 2017. Since then, both regulatory bodies have been engaged in frequent collaboration on various nuclear energy safety and security-related initiatives, especially as Ghana forges to establish a robust regulatory oversight programme for future nuclear power endeavours.
The Director-General of NRA, Dr Nii Kwashie Allotey and USNRC Chairman later call on the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr Kwaku Afriyie, to discuss the significant strides made in radiological regulation and nuclear safety.
The team also visited the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission’s Laboratories, as well as the University of Ghana Medical Centre, a licensee of the NRA. The visits offered valuable insights into the nation’s nuclear research and medical applications, highlighting the positive impact of responsible nuclear technology and radiation usage.
The USNRC visit, is also to strengthen and help Ghana to develop its own strong, independent regulatory infrastructure and builds staff competencies to ensure the protection of people and the environment against radiation hazards, in line with international standards and obligations.
Again, the team promised to support the involvement of Ghana in the IAEA’s Rays of Hope Initiative, which seeks to build partnerships with governments, international financial institutions, and the private sector. It will help bridge the gap in radiotherapy facilities, to increase access to cancer care and ultimately save lives, under the auspices of the Office of the Director-General of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission.
The USNRC and NRA have agreed to work together, to ensure the protection of people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation hazards.
The Nuclear Regulatory Authority was established in 2016 by the NRA Act, 895, 2015 to regulate the civilian use of nuclear and other radioactive materials in medicine, industry, agriculture, education, and research in Ghana. The establishment of the NRA replaces the mandate and activities of the Radiation Protection Board of the Radiation Protection Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission.
Dzifa Hukporti, ISD
