Ghana’s journey into nuclear energy exploration began in 1957, shortly after gaining independence, as part of the nation’s broader ambition to develop its energy sector. The first concrete steps toward nuclear power came in 1961 with the initiation of the Kwabenya Nuclear Reactor Project, marking the beginning of Ghana’s nuclear agenda.
From 1981 to 2001, under President J.J. Rawlings, the government focused on laying the groundwork for the nuclear industry, focusing on policy development, human resources, and the creation of necessary legislation and regulations. This long-term vision was crucial in building a foundation for future nuclear energy initiatives.
Under President John Agyekum Kufuor (2001-2009), Ghana continued to strengthen its nuclear capabilities, contributing to policy and human development efforts. The establishment of the Graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences (SNAS) became a key milestone during this period, helping to build local expertise in nuclear science.
The years from 2009 to 2012 saw President J.E.A. Mills prioritize the integration of nuclear energy to help address Ghana’s electricity power crisis, setting the stage for further nuclear energy development. This momentum continued under President John Dramani Mahama (2012-2017), who focused on developing the necessary infrastructure and expertise for nuclear power generation.
In recent years, under President Nana Akufo-Addo (2017-2025), Ghana has committed to establishing a 1GW nuclear plant as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its energy security and foster economic growth. Notably, Ghana ratified three important international nuclear conventions in 2015, enhancing its legal framework for nuclear safety and cooperation. This was followed by the passing of the Nuclear Regulations Act later that same year.
Currently, Ghana is in the second of three phases of its nuclear energy infrastructure plan, focusing on preparations for constructing a nuclear power plant. This comes after a public declaration by President Akufo-Addo in 2022 to move forward with nuclear energy as a vital component of the nation’s energy future. Several international vendors, including those from the USA, Russia, Canada, and South Korea, have expressed interest in partnering with Ghana on this project.
However, the push for nuclear energy in Ghana has faced opposition from civil society organizations (CSOs) and activists, including notable figures like Makoma Lekalakala from Earthlife Africa and Francesca de Gasparis from the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI). Despite this, Ghana’s government remains committed to pursuing nuclear energy as a key part of its energy strategy.
Source: Three-Sixty Human Rights. You can read more about this here.
