Minister inducts GAEC governing board

The acting Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has sworn in a new governing board for the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC).

Mr. Buah, who also serves as Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, administered the oath of office and secrecy to the seven-member board on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama.

The board is chaired by Prof. Abdulai Baba Salifu, with Prof. Francis Gbogbo, Dr. Sena Akosua Yvonne Loh, Prof. Langbong Bimi, Suweibatu Adam (Chief Director of MEST), Albert Quashigah and Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare, the Director-General of GAEC, as members.

In his remarks at the ceremony held in Accra, the minister stressed that the board’s mandate coincides with a crucial phase in the country’s nuclear power programme, which is advancing towards the completion of Phase II of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) three-stage framework. He said the project will ultimately lead to the establishment of a nuclear power plant to diversify the country’s energy mix.

He added that government was reviewing the GAEC Act (Act 508) to strengthen the Commission and urged the board to prioritise the exercise. He further called for urgent action to address encroachment on GAEC lands, describing them as strategic national assets.

“You must also strengthen research collaborations, promote innovation in the peaceful use of nuclear technology across health, agriculture, industry and environmental management, and ensure that GAEC remains a centre of excellence in nuclear science on the continent,” Mr Buah said.

Prof. Salifu, on behalf of the board, expressed appreciation to the President for the appointment and pledged to work towards establishing a nuclear health facility and supporting Ghana’s drive for a nuclear power plant.

Senior management of GAEC, including Deputy Director-General Prof. Francis Hasford and heads of research and administrative units, attended the ceremony.

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