FRENCH EMBASSY DELEGATION VISITS GHANA RADIO ASTRONOMY OBSERVATORY

A delegation from the French Embassy paid a working visit to the Ghana Radio Astronomy Observatory (GRAO) of the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC).

The visit, aimed at strengthening scientific collaboration with Ghana in the areas of radio astronomy, artificial intelligence, and space science, was led by the Attaché for Scientific and University Cooperation, Dr. Diane Brami, together with the Project Coordinator for the AI for Sustainable Development (AI4SD) project Ms. Elizabeth Morzadec.

Delegates from the French Embassy and the GRAO team during the courtesy visit to the Observatory.

Welcoming the delegation on behalf of the Director General of GAEC, Prof. Samuel Dampare, the Director of GSSTI, Dr. Joseph Tandor, explained how the 32-metre antenna, was transformed into a functioning radio telescope as part of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry  (VLBI) Network initiatives.

“This facility was once an abandoned communication ground station, and it was converted into the radio telescope we have today, making the 32-metre antenna the largest in West Africa and one of the first of its kind in the subregion” he said.

Dr. Tandoh noted that the GRAO project has progressed from its initial focus on technical and infrastructure development to a science-driven phase of conducting single-dish observations to capture radio signals from objects in space.

He added that the facility hosts a Hydrogen Maser and data center as well as processing infrastructure essential for radio astronomy, with plans to expand data capacity and improve access for international researchers.

“The goal is to link our telescope with others across the world so that we can observe the universe collectively and generate more detailed scientific data” he stated.

He added that the observatory plays a vital role in education and public outreach, offering students hands-on experience with real scientific instruments and sparking early interest in astronomy and space science.

“Last year alone, we had more than 3,000 visitors mostly students visiting this facility. When young people see such a place, it inspires them to learn astronomy and physics and thus promoting STEM education. We are also planning to build a planetarium to further enhance public engagement and learning” he said.

Addressing the GRAO team, the Attaché for Scientific and University Cooperation, Dr. Diane Brami expressed appreciation for the tour and commended Ghana’s progress in space scienceand technology.

She emphasised the importance of enhancing mobility programmes for young scientists and promoting knowledge exchange across African countries, noting that such collaborations are crucial for the future of global space science research.

The delegation toured key sections of the Ghana Radio Astronomy Observatory, including the 32 metre radio telescope, the control room, and the data centre.

By: CPRC/CCD

 

GSSTI CALLS FOR PRACTICAL USE OF SATELLITE DATA TO IMPROVE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Director of the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI), Dr. Joseph Tandoh, has called for a shift from discussion to action in the use of satellite and Earth‑observation data to improve the lives of Ghanaians.

He made the call during the opening ceremony of a two-day multi‑institutional stakeholder engagement organised by the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission in collaboration with Digital Earth Africa (DE Africa) in Accra.

The engagement brought together government agencies, private sector and development partners to explore how satellite data can support agriculture, mining regulation, disaster management, health, and environmental protection.

In his opening remarks, Dr Tandoh noted that the time has come for us to move beyond talk and deliver practical solutions that impact the daily lives of Ghanaians.

The Director of GSSTI, Dr. Joseph Tandoh, addressing participants at the stakeholder engagement.

“Satellite data should not end on presentation slides. It must be applied to challenges such as agricultural productivity, flood and drought forecasting, coastal monitoring, land administration, and climate resilience” he said.

He explained that this call aligns with Ghana Space Policy, which recognizes space science and Earth observation as strategic tools for development, and emphasizes the need for stronger coordination among government institutions, academia, and research bodies.

Dr. Tandoh mentioned that, as the national institution mandated to coordinate space science activities, GSSTI, is committed to bridging the gap between satellite data access and the computing infrastructure to institutions that need to use the data to generate actionable insights.

“GSSTI cannot do this alone. We need all stakeholders such as ministries, government agencies, academia, and the private sector to work together and develop practical pilot projects that show real value” he emphasized.

Speaking on the practical applications of Earth‑observation data, the Centre Manager of Remote Sensing and Climate Change, Dr. Kofi Asare, highlighted the significant benefits for agriculture and natural resource management.

He stated that satellite‑derived indicators such as soil moisture and vegetation health now make it possible to detect stress on farmlands early.

“The farmer no longer needs to guess. We can identify the exact part of the field with a problem and direct interventions precisely where they are needed” he said.

Dr. Asare noted the growing importance of using satellite data in monitoring and protecting natural resources, especially in mining‑affected areas.

“From sampled data between 2008 and 2024, nearly 60,000 hectares of land has been converted to mining; we can map it, monitor it, and quantify the impact using satellite data and Artificial Intelligence,” he said.

His presentation further highlighted the need to strengthen collaboration within Ghana’s Group on Earth Observations (GhanaGEO) community.

He emphasised the importance of moving from fragmented efforts toward a more coordinated and integrated ecosystem where institutions actively share data and co-develop solutions.

His presentation further highlighted the need to strengthen collaboration within Ghana’s Group on Earth Observations (GhanaGEO) community.

He emphasised the importance of moving from fragmented efforts toward a more coordinated and integrated ecosystem where institutions actively share data and co-develop solutions.

He also stressed the urgent need to transition from decision-making based on perception to one grounded in scientific evidence, noting that satellite-derived data provides a powerful and reliable basis for informed decision-making across sectors.

He further showcased the potential of the Digital Earth Africa platform as a transformative tool for improving access to analysis-ready data and enabling scalable, data-driven applications across agriculture, water resources, urban development, and environmental management.

Contributing to the discussion, the Capacity Development Lead of Digital Earth Africa, Dr. Kenneth Mubea said that Digital Earth Africa provides free, open and accessible Earth‑observation data, enabling governments, researchers and policymakers to carry out high‑quality analysis at national and local levels.

He added that DE Africa’s 30‑year satellite archive helps institutions track environmental change and understand long‑term trends

“The value lies not only in seeing what has changed, but in understanding patterns over time and using that intelligence to guide planning. Our goal at DE Africa is to ensure that satellite data is not locked away in technical systems but applied directly to improve decision‑making,” he explained.

He encouraged the participants to engage actively with DE Africa tools, noting that collaboration and shared access to data are key to improving climate resilience and development across the continent.

Representatives at the engagement included the Water Resources Commission, COCOBOD, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), National Disaster Management Organisation(NADMO), Forestry Commission, Big Data, GhanaMeteorological Agency (GMet) and Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

By: CPRC/CCD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AFRA HOLDS REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON MODALITIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF IAEA PROJECTS IN AFRICA

The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), on behalf of the Government of Ghana, hosted a high level Regional Taskforce Workshop on the implementation of IAEA regional projects earmarked for Africa at the Mensvic hotel in Accra.

The African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA). Workshop took place from 23rd-27th March 2026, and brought together representatives from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), AFRA National Coordinators, Focal Points of Regional Designated Centres (RDCs), and delegates from several participating Member States.

The purpose of the workshop was to review, harmonize, and strengthen training fee structures across AFRA Regional Designated Centres in Africa, a critical step toward improving transparency, equity, and efficiency in the delivery of nuclear science and technology training programmes, which has arisen as a result of increasing demands for academic training, fellowships, and scientific visits under the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme.

In a welcome statement, the Acting Director General of GAEC, Prof. Francis Hasford, expressed Ghana’s appreciation for the opportunity to host the strategic event, emphasizing the country’s commitment to advancing regional capacity building initiatives.

“Ghana remains firmly committed to supporting AFRA initiatives and advancing regional capacity building in nuclear science and technology. Through GAEC and our national institutions, including our role in hosting training programmes and supporting fellowship activities, we will continue to collaborate closely with the IAEA and Member States to expand opportunities for knowledge exchange and skills development across the continent” he said.

He noted that the meeting comes at a pivotal moment, as Member States collectively seek practical solutions for harmonizing training fees and improving access to high quality training opportunities across the continent.

“As demand continues to grow for long-term academic training, fellowships, and scientific visits across Member States, it has become increasingly important to ensure that training arrangements are transparent, equitable, efficient, and responsive to the needs of our institutions and beneficiaries” he added.

Prof Hasford stressed the importance of ensuring transparency, fairness, and sustainability in training arrangements, especially within the current global economic climate.

The Focal Point for AFRA at the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mr. Mickel Edwerd, in a brief remark, said that it was critical for this meeting to be held to ensure harmony across all the African countries.

He questioned the major disparities existing in the charges among African countries hosting similar programmes and called for a concerted effort to harmonize all the fees across the continent.

“There are so many people who want to pursue their masters and PhDs, but the high fees are preventing us from taking them. Charges in African countries are higher when compared to European or even Asian countries” he stressed.

The workshop provided a platform for participants to discuss best practices related to hosting fellowships and scientific visits, enhance coordination among AFRA RDCs, and strengthen institutional capacities to support the growing number of trainees across Africa.
Member States represented include Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Madagascar, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Zambia.

By: CPRC/CCD

 

GHANA AND JAPAN DEEPEN COLLABORATION IN SPACE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has held a strategic stakeholder engagement with a Japanese delegation from Cross U (a Tokyo-based space business promotion organization) to strengthen bilateral cooperation in space science and technology.

The Director of GSSTI, Dr. Joseph Bremang Tandor, addressing participants at the stakeholder engagement.

The meeting brought together representatives from academia, government ministries and agencies, industry players, and international partners, alongside the Japanese team. Discussions centered on identifying Ghana’s priority needs in sectors such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, and disaster management, and aligning them with proven Japanese space technology solutions.

Welcoming the participants, the Director of GSSTI, Dr. Joseph Bremang Tandoh, emphasized that space science is globally acknowledged as a crucial driver of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with applications spanning climate change mitigation, agricultural optimization, disaster risk reduction, urban planning, and environmental protection.

“A significant proportion of the challenges confronting Africa today can be addressed through earth observation, satellite data, and space-enabled analytics. For Ghana, the relevance of space technology is no longer in question, our task now is to scale, localize, and sustain these solutions within our national development agenda to deliver tangible socio-economic benefits,” he stated.

Dr. Tandoh highlighted government’s commitment to advancing space science, citing the approval of the National Space Agency and the signing of a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan as key milestones.

“Today’s engagement builds on a major step forward in Ghana–Japan relations. The MoU on Space Business Cooperation, signed during TICAD 9 in Yokohama, outlines a two-year partnership focused on co-developing space technologies, building human capacity, and fostering sustainable solutions,” he added.

He noted that implementation of the MoU would begin immediately, with the workshop serving as a collaborative platform to identify pilot projects across key national sectors.

“We are gathered here today to hear from all stakeholders. We cannot plan in isolation. By the end of this workshop, we expect to identify cross-sectoral projects and chart a path toward implementation,” he emphasized.

On his part, Mr. Masafuni Yonazu, Secretary General of Cross U, expressed gratitude for the warm reception extended to the Japanese delegation, noting that Ghana’s hospitality reflects a spirit of partnership and sets a positive tone for the collaboration.

He explained that Cross U’s mission goes beyond introducing Japanese space technologies; it seeks to help build a sustainable space ecosystem through open cooperation.

“As we move into the presentations and open exchange session, I encourage candid feedback on local needs. We are eager to identify opportunities for joint projects and capacity building. We also hope this workshop will lay a strong foundation for what we envision as the Japan–Ghana Space Industry Working Group,” he said.

By: CPRC/CCD

 

 

 

GAEC Reaffirms Commitment to AI-Driven Development at AI4SD Conference in Kumasi

The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has underscored its commitment to advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a catalyst for national and regional development at the AI4SD Mini Conference in Kumasi.

The conference, organized by the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), on the theme “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”, brought together researchers, students, innovators, policymakers and development partners for the three-day programme.

The Deputy Director General of GAEC, Prof. Francis Hasford, addressing participants at the AI4SD conference.

Speaking at the opening of the AI for Sustainable Development (AI4SD) Conference, the project lead for GAEC, who doubles as the Deputy Director General of the Commission, Prof. Francis Hasford, highlighted the critical role of AI in shaping the future of science, technology, and innovation in Ghana.

“Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant or abstract concept. It is rapidly reshaping how we conduct research, manage resources, deliver healthcare, strengthen agriculture, and design policy interventions,” he stated.

Prof. Hasford underscored the fact that in the case of developing countries, AI provides a powerful opportunity to overcome traditional limitations but stressed that success depended heavily on building local capacities and ensuring that AI systems are developed around data collected locally to solve problems.

“Knowledge and networks emerging from the conference would significantly advance both national and regional sustainable development targets,” he added.

The project lead also reiterated GAEC’s position as one of Africa’s leading institutions in nuclear science and related technologies as well as space science. Noting that AI has become a strategic tool in the Commission’s operations, highlighting ongoing GAEC projects under the AI4SD initiative, including crop health monitoring and yield prediction using Earth Observation data, biomedical and radiobiological research and advanced analytics for environmental monitoring, radiation protection, and industrial applications.

Again, Prof. Hasford said that “Integrating AI into nuclear science and related technologies enhances GAEC’s ability to transform complex datasets into concrete information in food security, climate change, and public health for policymakers and end-users. We therefore encourage you to form collaborations with us which will lead to joint research, shared datasets, pilot applications, and scalable solutions”.

On behalf of the Director General, he extended profound appreciation to KNUST for hosting the conference and to the French Embassy for its funding support and reaffirmed GAEC’s dedication to work with universities, government institutions, international partners, and the private sector to strengthen Ghana’s AI and scientific innovation ecosystem.

The Vice Chancelor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Prof. (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, also thanked the stakeholders for partnering the KNUST and GAEC to make the programme a success.

“We are not looking for a closure but a steppingstone to greater achievements. We entreat the embassy to help us continue with the project” she added.

By: CPRC/CCD

SAPPHIRE Project Partners Hold Strategic Discussions with UK Funding Organizations at GAEC on Strengthening LINAC Capabilities for Cancer Treatment

The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has hosted a high‑level stakeholder meeting involving international and local partners as part of ongoing efforts to enhance cancer treatment delivery in Ghana under the SAPPHIRE Project.

GAEC and SAPPHIRE Project partners at the stakeholder meeting.

The Supra‑African Physics Partnership for Health Innovation and Radiotherapy Expansion (SAPPHIRE) is a two‑year programme funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The initiative aims to address the persistent shortage of highly trained medical physicists and radiation oncologists, as well as the frequent breakdowns of linear accelerator (LINAC) machines in Africa.

The strategic engagement convened Ghanaian project partners from GAEC, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. It also included officials of the UK funding organizations; UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), and the Institute of Physics (IoP). Joining online for the meeting was SAPPHIRE project partners from the University of Oxford (Manjit Dosanjh), University of Cambridge (Rajesh Jena), Lancaster University (Graeme Burt) and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria (Lutendo Nethwadzi).

Discussions focused on improving the efficiency, reliability, and long‑term sustainability of LINAC systems used in cancer therapy.

Speaking on behalf of the Ghanaian partners, the Deputy Director‑General of GAEC, Prof. Francis Hasford welcomed the UK delegation and expressed appreciation for the funding support and collaborative efforts aimed at advancing cancer care in Africa and other low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).

The Ghanaian partners provided an overview of the project, highlighting its goal of reducing equipment down time, establishing training network for radiotherapy professionals, with special focus on females, and equipping trainees with practical tools and advanced technical knowledge of LINAC component systems. In a presentation led by Prof. Eric Addison (Head of Physics, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital), they also highlighted the functional aspects of the Redmine computer software, used for automating fault data collection on the LINAC systems and the long-term goal of developing robust LINAC systems for LMICs.

The UK delegation comprising Michele Dougherty (Executive Chair of STFC and Astronomer Royal), Tom Grinyer (CEO of IoP), Louis Barson (Director IoP), Jason Green (Assistant Director of UKRI) and Dominic Hurley (Head of International Relations, IOP) expressed strong optimism regarding the project’s success and commended the ongoing work by the SAPPHIRE team to improve access to quality cancer treatment.

In closing, Dr. Hannah Ayettey, Director of the Radiotherapy Centre of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, thanked the UK delegation on behalf of the project partners and assured of Ghana’s utmost commitment to the project objectives.

Participants at the meeting included Michele Dougherty (Executive Chair of STFC and Astronomer Royal), Tom Grinyer (CEO of IoP), Louis Barson (Director IoP), Jason Green (Assistant Director, UKRI) and Dominic Hurley (Head of International Relations, IoP), Francis Hasford (Deputy Director General, GAEC), Eric Addison (Head of Physics, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital), Hannah Ayettey (Director of the Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine Centre, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital), Dr. Theodosia Adom (Director of the Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, GAEC), Prof. Shirazu Issahaku (Registrar of the Allied Health Professions Council of Ghana), William Srekumah (Director of Administration of GAEC), Anthony Nana Boateng (Director of the Commercialization and Communication Directorate, GAEC), Dr. Mark Sarfo (Head of Communication and Public Relations, GAEC), Mr. Ernest Yeboah Accountant, RAMSRI), Manjit Dosanjh (University of Oxford & CERN), Rajesh Jena (University of Cambridge), Graeme Burt (Lancaster University, and Lutendo Nethwadzi (Steve Biko Academic Hospital).

By: CPRC/CCD

GAEC, KNUST, French Embassy unite AI with nuclear research for Ghana’s growth

In a bid to tackle pressing challenges in agriculture, health, and industry, Ghana is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and nuclear science through an innovative partnership with the French Embassy.

The AI for Sustainable Development (AI4SD) project, involving the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), is transforming cutting-edge research into practical solutions that benefit communities and inform policy.

Funded by the French Embassy, the initiative provides essential equipment, training, and infrastructure to local scientists.

A recent visit by French Embassy officials to GAEC’s facilities in Accra highlighted the project’s progress, showcasing how advanced technologies are being applied to real-world problems.

At the Acceleration Research Centre, the delegation inspected the Tandetron Accelerator, a key tool for analysing materials across various fields. Dr Christian Nuviadenu, manager of the facility, explained its versatility: “Here, we operate a Tandetron accelerator.

“It’s for research, education, and training. We specialise in probing materials to know their content. So those materials can have interest in different fields of application, in medicine, food and drugs, archaeology and cultural heritage.”

He added: “We work for mines and also for food and drugs, look at food composition with respect to contaminations, work on soil and sediment on plants, etc.”

The tour also included the Ghana Research Reactor-1 Centre, a compact 34-kilowatt facility primarily used for neutron activation analysis, research, and training. Converted from high-enriched to low-enriched uranium in 2017, the reactor ensures safety while supporting vital scientific work.

Dr Kwame Gyamfi, a researcher at the reactor, noted: “This 34-kilowatt reactor is mainly used for neutron activation analysis. In 2017, it was converted from high-enriched to low-enriched uranium.”

GAEC’s efforts extend to calibrating radiation equipment for medical and industrial use. Daniel Adjei, an assistant research scientist, described their role: “We calibrate medical and industrial radiation equipment to ensure accurate measurements. This is a secondary laboratory compared to our primary detector.”

“Our services include supporting, for example, health facilities where the radiation is used for medical imaging. In the extractive industry, some mining companies use radiation sources for some of their processes. And so we calibrate all of that equipment to make sure that they are measuring the quantity of radiation that they are measuring,” he elaborated.

Following the lab visits, discussions with GAEC scientists focused on AI’s role in agriculture. Kofi Asare, manager at the Remote Sensing and Climate Centre, highlighted how satellite imagery and AI models assist farmers: “AI helps farmers monitor crops and manage droughts, improving yields in northern Ghana and Bono East.”

The project has equipped an AI lab with computers and resources to support evidence-based studies for government ministries. Prof. Francis Hasford, director of the Radiological and Medical Sciences Institute, said: “Support from the French Embassy allows us to equip the AI lab and back studies with evidence for government ministries.”

Elisabeth Morzadec, project coordinator for AI4SD, emphasised the initiative’s broader aims, stressing how the program intends to strengthen Ghana’s AI ecosystem.

“We want to strengthen the AI ecosystem and highlight our partners’ work as the project reaches its midpoint.”

By combining nuclear science, AI, and local expertise, AI4SD is fostering sustainable development in Ghana. This collaboration not only addresses immediate challenges but also builds a robust research ecosystem, ensuring long-term benefits for policy, industry, and communities across the nation.

Source: Citinewsroom

GAEC and KNUST Join French Embassy to Celebrate One Year of AI4SD Initiative

The Director General of GAEC, Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare, together with his team, attended a cocktail dinner and exhibition hosted by the French Embassy to mark the one‑year anniversary of the launch of the Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development (AI4SD) initiative at the Alliance Française in Accra.

With support from the French Government, the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology have been instrumental in applying artificial intelligence to address critical challenges in agriculture, environmental management, public health, energy systems, and other key sectors that contribute to national development.

                       

                       

GAEC Participates in AI4SD Conference

The Deputy Director General of GAEC, Prof. Francis Hasford, and Research Scientists from GSSTI-GAEC and RAMSRI-GAEC will serve as distinguished speakers at the “AI for Sustainable Development” programme in Kumasi.

Under the sponsorship of the French government, the programme is slated to take place, from 17–19 February.
As seasoned academics and researchers, Prof. Hasford and his team will bring unparalleled expertise in radiation medicine and space technology as well as other scientific innovations to bear at the conference.

Through the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI), the Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute (RAMSRI) and other Research Institutes of the Commission, GAEC continues to advance the application of artificial intelligence in agriculture, health, water resources management, environment protection, industry, among others. These efforts are strengthening Ghana’s capacity to use nuclear science, spacebased technologies and AI to address challenges in achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

GAEC’s contributions at the event will highlight how the Commission’s scientific leadership, especially through GSSTI, RAMSRI and the other Institutes is helping drive AIpowered solutions that support national development and longterm sustainability for Ghana and the subregion.

By: CPRC/CCD

Land encroachers endangering their lives – GAEC boss warns

The Director-General of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), Professor Samuel Boakye Dampare, has raised alarm over illegal developments around the National Radioactive Waste Management Centre, warning that human settlements close to the facility pose serious risks to public safety.

Professor Dampare explained that the Centre, which stored radioactive materials used by hospitals and industries, was a highly controlled zone.

“We manage these sources because they are dangerous. People shouldn’t get close to them, but they don’t care,” he said.

Professor Dampare said this in an interview with the Daily Graphic during an inspection tour of e-waste recycling and related facilities at GAEC last Thursday (January 8), led by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, who is also the acting Minister of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST).

Nightmare

The problem, Professor Dampare, explained, escalated when individuals and developers began constructing structures near the National Radioactive Waste Management Centre.

“Assuming people are exposed to radioactive materials, the government would have to find money to treat them. And if we have built structures here and an accident occurs, evacuating people would be a nightmare,” he said.

He further stressed that areas housing radioactive sources were considered security zones, and as such were supposed to have constant military presence to prevent unauthorised access.

“These are not ordinary sites. They require security 24/7, but unfortunately, this has not always been the case,” the GAEC boss explained.

The National Radioactive Waste Management Centre, he added, played a critical role in the country’s health care and industrial sectors. Hospitals, for instance, use radioactive sources for diagnostic and treatment purposes, after which the materials are returned to the Centre for safe storage and management.

Professor Dampare lamented that urban development around sensitive sites often took precedence over safety considerations.

“The focus is on buildings and infrastructure, and this attitude is defeating the country. People should understand the danger they are placing themselves in,” he said.

Determination

For his part, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, reiterated the government’s determination to protect strategic state lands within the GAEC area.

He described some areas as restricted zones due to national security concerns and the presence of toxic materials.

“These lands are not for us alone. This generation will pass and others will come. We cannot behave as if our responsibility is to finish everything simply because we are here,” he said.

Mr Buah added that earlier leaders, including Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, deliberately preserved areas such as the GAEC enclave to safeguard Ghana’s future, and warned that the government would not tolerate encroachment.

“They are ‘no-go’ areas. Anyone who enters does so at their own risk.

The Government will do everything to protect these lands in the long-term interest of Ghana,” he cautioned.

Source: Graphiconline