The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has hosted the Project Management Officer (PMO) of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Dr. Amal Elrefaei, on a highlevel working visit to Ghana.
The visit, aimed at strengthening cooperation in the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology, took place from 20th to 24th April 2026, and sought to review IAEAsupported projects, enhance institutional collaboration, and engage key government ministries, development partners, and stakeholders. It also focused on project monitoring, policy engagement, and strategic discussions across critical sectors including health, agriculture, environment, nuclear regulation, energy, and capacity development.
During the visit, Dr. Elrefaei held engagements with the National Liaison Assistant (NLA) for the IAEA in Ghana, Prof. Francis Hasford, members of the GAEC Executive Committee, coordinators of key IAEA Technical Cooperation projects in accelerator technology, agriculture, and nuclear power development, as well as leaders of Women in Nuclear (WiN) Ghana.
At a meeting with the Executive Committee of GAEC, Dr. Elrefaei reiterated the IAEA’s continued support for Ghana in the peaceful applications of nuclear science and commended GAEC for the significant strides made in contributing to Ghana’s socioeconomic development.
She emphasized the importance of initiating preparations for the next Country Programme Framework (CPF) for Ghana, which serves as the strategic document guiding IAEA support to the country.
“The current CPF for Ghana will expire in December 2027, and it typically requires at least one year and two months to prepare a new framework. It is therefore important that preparations begin now,” she noted.
Dr. Elrefaei further encouraged the active involvement of relevant sector ministries during the preparation and implementation of the CPF to ensure alignment with national priorities. She also highlighted the need to engage development partners and donor agencies to strengthen resource mobilization and sustainability.
“Donor agencies should also be included. Please let us know if you require any support in this regard,” she added.
Receiving Dr. Elrefaei on behalf of the National Liaison Officer, who is also the DirectorGeneral of GAEC, Prof. Samuel B. Dampare, the Deputy DirectorGeneral of GAEC, Prof. Francis Hasford, expressed appreciation to the IAEA PMO for the visit.
He reaffirmed GAEC’s commitment to complying with all IAEA regulations and guidelines, both in its operational activities and in the development of the new CPF.
Dr. Elrefaei’s visit commenced with meetings at the Ministry of Health, where discussions focused on the WHO/IAEA Cancer ImPACT Mission and the role of nuclear techniques in public health, particularly in medical diagnostics, radiotherapy, and disease management.
Her engagements also included visits to the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology, the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, the United Nations Country Representative Office, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, and the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA).
The visit reaffirms the strong partnership between Ghana and the IAEA and underscores the Agency’s continued commitment to supporting Ghana’s national development agenda through the peaceful use of nuclear science and related technology.
By CPRC/CCD
