The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Ghana Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) have reconfirmed their mutual dedication to maintaining a close partnership in nuclear safety and regulation.
This commitment was reiterated during a working visit by Christopher T. Hanson, the NRC Chair, to Ghana’s NRA in Accra. As part of their ongoing collaboration, the US NRC and the NRA have been actively engaging in the exchange of technical information since the signing of their inaugural bilateral arrangement for cooperation in 2017.
The US NRC strongly advocates for sharing best practices worldwide to ensure the safe, accountable, and transparent use of nuclear energy technologies, as emphasized by the statement from the US Embassy in Ghana.
During their meeting, Mr. Hanson and Nii Kwashie Allotey, the NRA Director General, discussed the extensive cooperation between the two organizations.
Ghana’s efforts in developing a regulatory oversight program for nuclear power have been supported closely by the US NRC.
“We have worked closely with Ghana’s NRA as it develops a technically competent, independent regulatory program in preparation of overseeing commercial nuclear power in Ghana,” Mr Hanson said.
“Establishing a strong and transparent regulatory framework based on high safety standards is a critical step toward the adoption of nuclear technologies. We have a long-standing partnership with Ghana’s regulator, and we welcome our continued collaboration as NRA progresses in establishing a regulatory structure,” he added.
Mr. Hanson expressed the importance of establishing a robust and transparent regulatory framework with high safety standards as a critical step towards adopting nuclear technologies.
“We greatly value the NRC’s expertise as we seek to develop Ghana’s own strong, independent regulatory oversight program. International partnerships such as this provide a solid foundation for the NRA’s oversight programs, which will protect people and the environment and align with international standards and obligations, ” he said.
The long-standing partnership between the US NRC and Ghana’s regulator was warmly welcomed, and they look forward to further collaboration as the NRA continues to establish its regulatory structure.
Nii Allotey praised the valuable expertise and partnership of the US NRC, which is one of the world’s leading and most experienced nuclear regulators. He highlighted the significance of international partnerships in laying a solid foundation for the NRA’s oversight programs, ensuring alignment with international standards and obligations, and safeguarding people and the environment.
The NRC-NRA bilateral relationship forms part of the broader cooperation between the US and Ghanaian governments as Ghana progresses with its nuclear power program. The countries seek to establish a legal framework, known as a 123 Agreement, for civil nuclear cooperation.
During his visit, Mr. Hanson also held meetings with key leaders from the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, the Ministry of Energy, and the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation. Throughout these engagements, he reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to continued collaboration and emphasized the significance of regulatory independence in fostering public trust.
Ghana is making significant strides to integrate nuclear power into its energy mix to support the country’s industrialization endeavors. The nation has set a target to construct and operate its first nuclear plant by 2030, with a preferred site already chosen for the project.