Accra: The United States Government has donated radiation detection equipment to the Ghana Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) to boost the country's ability to detect, measure, and identify nuclear and radioactive materials.
According to Ghana News Agency, the equipment, an HM-5 identiFINDER, valued at GHS270,000 (approximately US$26,000), was handed over by Mr Rolf Olson, US Charg© d'Affaires, a.i., during a brief ceremony at the NRA offices in Accra. Mr Olson stated that the donation is part of the United States' ongoing support for Ghana's peaceful nuclear development and safeguards programme, aligning with international safety and security standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The NRA, which is responsible for regulating and controlling the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology in Ghana, will utilize the equipment to enhance its capacity to detect and respond to radiological threats and to meet its reporting obligations under the IAEA's nuclear safeguards regime. Mr Olson emphasized that the donation strengthens the long-standing cooperation between the two countries in nuclear security and non-proliferation, led by the US Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA).
For over a decade, the DOE/NNSA, through its International Nuclear Safeguards Engagement Programme, has partnered with the NRA to support Ghana's implementation of nuclear safeguards. This partnership has focused on strengthening Ghana's nuclear legal framework, developing technical regulations, and providing hands-on training in non-destructive assay techniques for nuclear material analysis.
Mr Olson also highlighted additional US support through the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) programme. In January, the US established an E2 Center at the School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences in Accra, equipped with a NuScale small modular reactor (SMR) digital control room simulator. The FIRST programme has also facilitated study tours to the United States and Japan by Ghanaian engineers and supported academic collaborations with Texas A and M University to advance SMR curriculum development in Ghana.
Professor Francis Otoo, the Acting Director-General of the NRA, received the equipment on behalf of the Authority and expressed appreciation to the US Government for its consistent support. He stated that the device would significantly enhance Ghana's technical capacity to detect and respond to nuclear material incidents and ensure the country's compliance with international nuclear security protocols.
