Accra: Mr Richard Gyan-Mensah, the Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, emphasized the strategic importance of nuclear power for Ghana's industrialisation, aligning it with the Government's 24-hour economy initiative. Ghana aims to incorporate nuclear power into its energy mix by 2030 to ensure reliable and affordable electricity for continuous industrial operations.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Gyan-Mensah highlighted at a stakeholder engagement in Accra that reliance on hydro and thermal power sources is insufficient for the country's long-term economic goals. The proposed Ghana Nuclear Power Corporation Act, 2024, aims to establish a corporation responsible for developing and managing nuclear power plants, pending approval and presidential assent.
Mr Gyan-Mensah pointed out that achieving high-income industrialisation would significantly increase electricity demand, necessitating the integration of nuclear power to ensure consistent supply. The 24-hour economy policy, designed to boost productivity and job creation, requires a dependable power infrastructure to support uninterrupted industrial activities.
He underscored nuclear power's role in providing a stable baseload and its potential to help Ghana meet climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. By offering energy security through fuel diversity, nuclear power reduces dependence on variable renewable sources and imported fossil fuels, mitigating price volatility and supply disruptions.
Mr Gyan-Mensah shared his journey from nuclear skepticism to advocacy, influenced by observing a nuclear plant's integration into a London community. He called on Ghanaians to embrace nuclear technology, despite historical fears, and encouraged involvement from civil society, academia, and the private sector in shaping the future of nuclear power in Ghana.
He expressed confidence in the proposed legislation to establish a State-owned enterprise capable of independently managing nuclear infrastructure. Mr Edudzi Tamakloe, CEO of the National Petroleum Authority, also supported nuclear power's inclusion in the energy mix, foreseeing reduced reliance on imported power generation products.
Mr William Amuna, Board Chairman of the Electricity Company of Ghana, regarded the draft bill as a commitment to energy diversification and carbon emission reduction. He acknowledged the high initial costs of nuclear power plants but emphasized their long-term benefits for economic growth, energy security, and environmental sustainability.
