Ghana Atomic Energy Commission Is a Global Leader in Nuclear Research - - VP Bawumia

By Rex Mainoo Yeboah

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on Tuesday commended the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) for its cutting edge research and training that had put Ghana at the forefront of global efforts to convert high-enriched uranium fueled research reactors to low-enriched uranium fueled.

In August 2017, Ghana became the first country, outside China, to successfully complete the conversion of this reactor type, and the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission has been training scientists from other countries to convert theirs.

Speaking in Accra, Vice President Bawumia said Ghana was committed to global efforts to ensure the responsible use of nuclear technology and would continue to uphold international treaties guiding their use.

"High-Enriched-Uranium-fueled research reactors could become potential source material for nuclear weapons. The threat of terrorism legitimises this concern, and the solution worldwide, underpinned by the principles of non-proliferation, is to convert all highly enriched uranium-fueled research reactors to low enriched uranium-fueled research reactors.

"In this regard, Ghanaian scientists in collaboration with Scientists and Experts from the Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL) of the United States Department of Energy (US DoE), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and China Institute of Atomic Energy, undertook the process of converting our high-enriched uranium fuel reactor to low-enriched uranium fuel one.

"By this feat, Ghana received an outstanding performance award from the National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Energy of the United States of America (USA)."

Vice President Bawumia gave the commendation when he commissioned a Low-Enriched Uranium Core Research Reactor; International Miniature Neutron Source Reactor Training Facility; and the Laboratory Building for the Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute of GAEC at Kwabenya, Accra.

The Vice President disclosed that the government, three months ago, released funding to support the site selection process for the establishment of a Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) to generate electricity.

"Cabinet has also approved the setting up of an Organisation to oversee the construction and Operation of Ghana's first Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) and believe it will also help our quest to achieve some of the sustainable development goals, specifically, Good Health and Well-being, as well as Quality Education, which will transform our world."

The Vice President had high praise for the work in radiation medicine, cancer research, medical imaging, diagnostic molecular biology and nutrition undertaken by scientists at GAEC, which are having direct positive impacts on daily lives.

"I wish to congratulate the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) for its contribution to the development of the country through the application of nuclear science and technology in the areas such as Health, Agriculture and Industry. I am informed that it was through the efforts of the Commission that the two Radiotherapy Centres at Korle-Bu and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals were established for the treatment of Cancer.

"I have also taken keen note of your research in irradiation, which would prolong the shelf life of such staples as yam, maize, and beans. This would go a long way to reduce post-harvest losses," he added.

The government of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is committed to enhancing and accelerated scientific study, Vice President Bawumia assured, recalling that this was the first time in over 40 years that a President or his Vice had visited the facilities of GAEC and provided this quantum of support for scientific work at the nation's sole nuclear research institution.

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