Energy Minister Inaugurates Nuclear Power Ghana Board: Accelerating Ghana’s Long-Delayed Nuclear Energy Vision

Published: November 19, 2025

Introduction

In a pivotal moment for Ghana’s energy sector, Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor inaugurated the newly constituted Board of Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG) on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama. This event marks a significant advancement in Ghana’s nuclear power program, a vision originating from the era of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. The minister emphasized the need for a swift business environment to realize this long-delayed nationwide ambition, highlighting nuclear energy’s role in providing stable, affordable base-load power for Ghana’s growing economy.

Ghana’s pursuit of nuclear power addresses critical energy challenges, including reliance on hydropower and thermal sources prone to fluctuations. With global demand for reliable energy rising, the Nuclear Power Ghana Board inauguration signals renewed commitment to diversification and sustainability. This development positions Ghana among African nations exploring nuclear energy, such as South Africa and Egypt, to support industrial growth and green transitions.

Analysis

Historical Context of Ghana’s Nuclear Ambition

Ghana’s nuclear energy vision traces back to the 1960s under President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who envisioned atomic energy as a driver of industrialization. Despite decades of studies and feasibility reports, progress stalled due to financial, technical, and regulatory hurdles. The establishment of Nuclear Power Ghana in 2019 formalized efforts, and the recent board inauguration under Minister Jinapor revitalizes this initiative.

Strategic Role of Nuclear Power in Ghana’s Energy Mix

Ghana’s current energy generation relies heavily on the Akosombo and Bui dams for hydropower (about 50%) and thermal plants fueled by natural gas and light crude oil. These sources face drought risks and import dependencies, leading to power shortages (dumsor). Nuclear power offers baseload capacity—continuous, high-output electricity—operating at over 90% capacity factor compared to hydro’s variability. Minister Jinapor cited global evidence, noting that nations like France (70% nuclear-dependent) and the UAE achieve energy security through nuclear plants.

Board’s Mandate and Government Support

The minister charged the board to accelerate the nuclear program through innovative approaches, capacity building, and international partnerships. Key directives include adhering to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safety standards, ensuring transparency, and fostering regulatory oversight. This aligns with Ghana’s Renewable Energy Master Plan and National Energy Policy, aiming for a resilient grid by 2030.

Summary

Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor inaugurated the Nuclear Power Ghana Board, chaired by Emmanuel Appiah-Korang, urging rapid progress on the nation’s nuclear power program. Speaking for President Mahama, he described the vision—dating to Nkrumah’s era—as overdue, stressing nuclear energy’s importance for base-load power, economic growth, and green transition. The board must innovate, collaborate globally, and prioritize safety to integrate nuclear into Ghana’s energy mix.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For Policymakers and Stakeholders

To support Ghana’s nuclear power program, stakeholders should prioritize public-private partnerships (PPPs) for funding, as seen in Kenya’s nuclear plans. Engage IAEA for technical assistance and conduct site assessments at potential locations like the Western Region. Develop skilled workforce through training at Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) facilities.

For Investors and International Partners

Investors can explore opportunities in small modular reactors (SMRs), which reduce upfront costs and construction time. Russia’s Rosatom and China’s CNNC have expressed interest in African projects; formalize memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with clear timelines. Ensure financing aligns with Ghana’s sovereign guarantees and multilateral loans from the World Bank.

For the Public and Energy Consumers

Stay informed via NPG updates and advocate for transparent community engagement near potential sites. Nuclear power promises lower long-term electricity tariffs—e.g., UAE’s Barakah plant delivers power at 3.4 US cents/kWh—benefiting households and industries.

Points of Caution

Safety and Risk Management

Nuclear projects demand rigorous safety protocols. Ghana must implement IAEA’s Milestones Approach, covering nine infrastructure issues from policy to operation. Historical incidents like Chernobyl (1986) and Fukushima (2011) underscore the need for seismic studies and emergency preparedness, though modern reactors like Generation III+ designs minimize meltdown risks to near zero.

Financial and Timeline Risks

Nuclear plants cost $5-10 billion per gigawatt, with overruns common (e.g., Vogtle plant in USA exceeded budget by 80%). Ghana should phase implementation, starting with feasibility and vendor selection, to avoid delays plaguing the program since 2008.

Environmental and Social Considerations

While nuclear produces near-zero carbon emissions (12 gCO2/kWh vs. coal’s 820 g), manage radioactive waste via deep geological repositories. Conduct environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and secure free, prior, informed consent (FPIC) from affected communities.

Comparison

Ghana vs. Other African Nations

South Africa operates Koeberg, Africa’s only commercial nuclear plant (1.8 GW), providing 5% of power since 1984. Egypt advances El Dabaa (4.8 GW) with Russian financing, targeting 2028 operation. Ghana’s program, at pre-feasibility, lags but benefits from GAEC’s research reactor experience since 1994.

Global Benchmarks

Compared to UAE’s Barakah (5.6 GW, completed in 8 years), Ghana can adopt vendor-financed models. China’s Hualong One reactors exemplify rapid deployment (7 years), offering scalable tech for emerging markets. Ghana’s hydro-thermal mix (no nuclear yet) mirrors India’s pre-2000s phase, where nuclear now supplies 3% reliably.

Legal Implications

Ghana is a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT, 1970) and Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), ensuring peaceful use. The Atomic Energy Act (Act 588, 2000) and Act 995 (2015) establish GAEC and NPG’s legal framework, mandating IAEA safeguards. International liability follows the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (1963), protecting against accidents. The board must comply with these for vendor contracts and IAEA inspections, with non-compliance risking sanctions or project halts.

Conclusion

The inauguration of the Nuclear Power Ghana Board by Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor represents a turning point for Ghana’s nuclear energy vision. By charging the expert-led team to deliver base-load power safely and swiftly, Ghana edges closer to energy independence and sustainable growth. With global precedents and strong regulatory commitments, this initiative promises to transform the nation’s power landscape, balancing green goals with reliability. Stakeholders must act decisively to turn decades of aspiration into reality.

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