The Deputy Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in charge of Technical Corporation (TC), Dr. Hua Liu, is in Ghana for a working visit.
He came along with the IAEA Ag. Director of the Division for Africa, Dr. Gashaw Gebeyehu Wolde.
The visit is aimed at strengthening ties with Ghana and to understand the current state of Ghana’s Nuclear Power Programme (NPP), usage of nuclear installations/facilities in the country and to determine other areas of corporation between Ghana and the IAEA.
The Director of the Nuclear Power Institute, Dr. Archibold Buah-Kwofie, making a presentation to (from left to right) Dr. Gashaw Gebeyehu Wolde, IAEA Acting Director of the Division for Africa; Dr. Hua Liu, IAEA Director in charge of Technical Cooperation (TC); and Prof. Samuel Dampare, Director General of GAEC.
The duo was hosted by the National Liaison Officer for the IAEA in Ghana, Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare, who doubles as the Director General of Ghana Atomic Energy Commission(GAEC).
The first day of the visit took them to the Ministry of Health(MoH), where they had a meeting with the Minister, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh. It was followed by a visit to the Ministry of Environment Science and Technology (MEST), where they met with the Ag. Deputy Minister, Hon. Alhaji Yusif Sulemana. They then proceeded to the premises of Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG), where they met with the Executive Secretary, Dr. Stephen Yamoah and his team and finally went to the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA), where they met with the Deputy Director General, Prof. Augustine Faanu, and his team.
The discussions at the various Ministries and Agencies focused on possible areas of corporation in health, agriculture, energy, manpower development and environment protection. The discussions also bothered on improving current nuclear facilities and construction of new ones for the benefit of Ghana and the subregion.
Notable among them are the construction of a third radiotherapy center in Tamale, the construction of a children’s hospital and offer of scholarships for training of students in nuclear science and engineering from the undergraduate to graduate levels.
During the tour of the Ministries and Agencies, Institute Directors of GAEC, such as the Director of the Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute (RAMSRI), Dr. Theodosia Adom and her team as well as the Director of the Nuclear Power Institute, Dr. Archibold Buah-Kwofie were on hand at the Ministry of Health and Nuclear Power Ghana for discussions.
A team from GAEC, made up of the Director General, Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare, Director of Administration, Mr. William Srekumah, Head of Legal Affairs, Madam Susana Nyarkoa Addo (Esq) as well as the Head of Communication and Public Relations, Dr. Mark Kwasi Sarfo and his staff accompanied Dr. Hua Liu and Dr. Wolde on their tour.
The management of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) welcomed representatives from the French Embassy on Thursday during a courtesy visit by two diplomats to the Commission’s headquarters in Accra.
The visit was aimed at deepening ties between GAEC and the French Consulate to promote research and development.
The team from the French Embassy was led by the Attache for Scientific and Higher Education Cooperation, Ms. Diane Brami and accompanied by the Project Coordinator of the France Team Fund: AI for Sustainable Development, Dr. Elizabeth Morzadec.
Representatives from the French Embassy and GAEC management holding discussions during the visit.
Dr. Elizabeth Morzadec expressed her gratitude to the Management of GAEC and stressed their commitment to promote AI driven research between Ghana and France for the benefit of humankind.
On his part, the Director General of GAEC, Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare, thanked the team and expressed GAEC’s readiness to partner France for research into areas such as agriculture, health, industry and space science, to mention a few.
“This marks the beginning of bigger collaborations between our two countries”, he added.
Prof. Dampare enumerated a number of projects that have received support from the French and also thanked the team for sponsoring a new PhD. student (Ms, Sandra Agbenyegah) scheduled to be in France for the next six months.
The Deputy Director General of GAEC, Prof. Francis Hasford, gave an overview of the activities of GAEC in a presentation. Highlighting key research activities and contributions that GAEC is making for the socioeconomic development of Ghana.
The team was taken on a tour to visit the Ghana Research Reactors Centre, The Accelerator Research Centre and Secondary Standard Dosimetry Laboratory of GAEC before departure.
The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has inaugurated the management boards of its six research institutes and a graduate school at a ceremony in Accra to enhance good governance, efficiency, and sustainability.
The institutes are the National Nuclear Research Institute (NNRI), Radiation Protection Institute (RPI), Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI), Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute (RAMSRI), Nuclear Power Institute (NPI), School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences (SNAS), and the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI).
Addressing the gathering after swearing in members of the boards, the Chairperson of the GAEC Governing Board, Professor Abdulai Baba Salifu, urged them to strengthen institutional governance and scientific leadership within the Commission.
He reminded them that the oaths they had taken were solemn commitments to serve with professionalism and to safeguard the public trust vested in them.
Chairperson of the GAEC Governing Board, Professor Abdulai Baba Salifu, addressing the gathering.
Prof. Salifu emphasised the critical role of the newly inaugurated boards in steering the strategic direction of their respective institutes, describing them as “engines of discovery and application” across key national development areas, including health, agriculture, energy, radiation protection, environmental safety, and space science.
He noted that Ghana’s nuclear power agenda, now advancing through Phase II of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) three-phased approach, requires strong institutional governance and scientific leadership.
“Ghana’s pursuit of nuclear energy represents not merely an infrastructure ambition but also an energy-security imperative,” Prof. Salifu stated, adding that the institutes under GAEC would be pivotal in strengthening research, capacity building, and safety frameworks to support the country’s nuclear energy aspirations.
Prof. Salifu further encouraged the institutes to align their activities with national research and innovation priorities, including the National Research Fund, the Feed Ghana Programme, and emerging initiatives such as the Tree for Life Initiative and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
He called for deeper collaboration with universities, industry, and government agencies to ensure GAEC’s scientific research translates into solutions that benefit the everyday lives of Ghanaians.
On his part, the Director-General of GAEC, Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare, described the inauguration as a reaffirmation of the Commission’s commitment to good governance and institutional efficiency.
“Today’s event is not just a formality; it is a reaffirmation of GAEC’s commitment to good governance, institutional efficiency, and strategic leadership across our research and operational arms,” Prof. Dampare said.
He commended the GAEC Board for its leadership in constituting the new boards and praised the diverse professional expertise of the members, noting that their inclusion demonstrates a strong belief in collaborative governance and evidence-based decision-making.
Prof. Dampare urged the members to work closely with their respective Institute Directors and align their actions with the Commission’s strategic objectives, stressing the importance of transparency, professionalism, and the national interest in all deliberations.
On Thursday, August 26, a swearing-in ceremony was held at the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology (MEST) to officially induct the newly appointed Governing Board Members of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC).
The ceremony was presided over by the Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Acting Minister for MEST, who concurrently serves as the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, on behalf of H.E. President John Dramani Mahama.
He led the Board members to take the oath of office and oath of secrecy as guiding principles in the discharge of their duties.
Acting Minister of MEST, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (middle), in a group picture with newly sworn-in GAEC Board Members.
The seven-member Governing Board will be Chaired by Prof. Abdulai Baba Salifu, with Prof. Francis Gbogbo, Dr. Sena Akosua Yvonne Loh, Prof. Langbong Bimi, Ms. Suweibatu Adam Esq. (Chief Director of MEST), Mr. Albert Quashigah Esq., and Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare (Director General of GAEC) as members.
In a short statement by the minister, he indicated that the newly inducted Board’s stewardship comes at a critical juncture in Ghana’s Nuclear Power Programme, which is progressing steadily towards the completion of Phase II of the IAEA 3-Phased approach, leading to the ultimate realization of a nuclear power plant to diversify Ghana’s energy generation sources.
“Your commitment to ensuring that the Commission meets international nuclear safety and regulatory standards is crucial, as Ghana works closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to advance this ambitious national project”, he added.
The Minister also revealed that there were on-going policy processes to review the existing GAEC Act (Act 508) as part of efforts to strengthen and strategically position the Commission to derive maximum benefits from its operations and management. He pledged his maximum commitment and support to ensure that Cabinet and Parliament successfully amend the Act.
“I urge this Board to accord the review process with all the urgency required. The good thing is that with a new Board, fresh ideas, experts advise and insights will be made available to further enrich the document,” he said.
He further charged the board to give urgent attention to the issue of encroachment on GAEC lands. He revealed that the Commission’s lands are critical national assets that host strategic research, training and nuclear facilities, in which encroachment threatens not
only their current operations, but also the future expansion of Ghana’s nuclear programme. Hon. Buah urged the Board to collaborate with MEST, local authorities and other relevant state agencies to implement measures to secure and protect these lands for posterity.
“In carrying out your functmanagement andge you to strengthen research collaborations, promote innovation in the peaceful applications of nuclear technology in areas such as health, agriculture, industry and environmental management, and ensure that GAEC continues to be a centre of excellence in nuclear science and technology on the African continent,” he added.
The Board Chair, Prof. Abdulai Baba Salifu, in an acceptance speech on behalf of all the members thanked the President of Ghana for the opportunity to serve and promised to work hard to enable GAEC achieve all set objectives.
The Professor promised that he and the team will work hard to establish a health facility specializing in using nuclear technologies to treat non communicable diseases. He also promised to support the Commission to establish a nuclear power plant to augment Ghana’s energy sources.
Some Management and staff of GAEC present at the programme were the Deputy Director General, Prof. Francis Hasford, Director of Administration, Mr. William Srekumah, Deputy Director of Finance, Mr. Eli Aniabo, Director of the Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Dr. Theodosia Adom, Head of Legal Affairs, Madam Susana Nyarkoa Addo, representatives of the Commercialization and Communication Directorate, Dr. Mark Kwasi Sarfo, and Mr. Joshua Yeboah.
The 11th International Symposium on Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material was held at the Mensvic Hotel in Accra with a focus on planet-friendly solutions in the extractive industry.
The event was under the chairmanship of the Director General of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) and President of NORM XI, Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare, and was on the theme, “Broadening Optimization in Industrial Processes Involving NORM: A focus on Sustainability in Extractive Industries.”
Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Alhaji Yusif Sulemana (left), and the Director-General of GAEC, Prof. Samuel B. Dampare (right), in discussions at the symposium.
Ghana is the first Sub-Saharan African country to host an International Symposium on Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material, and marks a significant milestone for the country, positioning it as a global leader in the application and use of NORM for research and development.
The five-day event had experts from around the globe congregating in Ghana to participate and was also graced with the presence of the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for the Bole-Bamboi Constituency, Hon. Alhaji Yusif Sulemana. He came to represent his boss, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and Ag. Minister of the Ministry of Environment Science and Technology, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who is also the Member of Parliament for the Ellembelle Constituency.
In a keynote address, read on behalf of Hon. Buah, he emphasized Ghana’s growing role as a hub for nuclear science and technology in Africa, highlighting the country’s commitment to environmental stewardship and radiation safety.
He noted that NORM are encountered in several key sectors in Ghana, including mining, oil and gas, phosphate manufacturing, cement production, and water treatment.
“While these industries fuel our economy, they also pose environmental and health challenges that require our collective vigilance, innovation, and responsibility,” he stated.
He indicated that the government of Ghana remains firmly committed to supporting research, innovation, and regulation in the nuclear field.
“We will continue to work closely with our international partners, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to strengthen Ghana’s capacity in radiation safety and environmental management,” he added.
He encouraged participants to use the moment to strengthen collaborations, build partnerships, and reaffirm shared responsibilities of ensuring that the benefits of industrial development are achieved without compromising the health and safety of people or the integrity of the environment.
Prof. Dampare also welcomed the participants, reflecting on the evolution of NORM symposia since its inception in Amsterdam, Netherlands, in 1997. He praised the collaborative efforts of GAEC, the Ghana Association for Radiation Protection (GARP), the African ALARA Network (AFAN), and the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA), as well as international partners such as the IAEA, ICRP, ILO, IRPA, and UNSCEAR.
“This symposium marks a milestone not only for Ghana but for the entire region. It is a testament to our shared commitment to optimizing industrial processes while safeguarding human health and the environment,” he added.
He observed a minute’s silence, marking a solemn moment during his speech, as a tribute to the late former Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Hon. Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, who tragically passed away earlier this year, for his support for Ghana’s hosting of NORM XISymposium.
Prof. Dampare expressed his sincere gratitude to the NORM XI Symposium Board, Steering Committee, Local Organising Committee, Scientific Programme Committee, and the invaluable contributions of some private sector sponsors for making this programme a reality. “History will remember your dedication, support, and excellence,” he said.
The US Embassy has inaugurated a simulator training centre at the School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences (SNAS) to advance Ghana’s nuclear power development and strengthen its position as a leader in sustainable energy solutions.
The NuScale Energy Exploration Centre, which was inaugurated yesterday, will serve as a regional training hub to equip professionals with the skills and expertise required for the safe and secure use of nuclear power.
Backed by US funding and technical support, the centre is poised to play a pivotal role in building a highly skilled workforce, adhering to international safety standards and supporting Ghana’s ambitions to lead nuclear energy development on the continent.
Ryan Flamand (right), Manager, Plant Services, NuScale Power, demonstrating the function of a nuclear simulator to Rev. Dr Patrick Nomo (left), Chief Director, Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; Virginia Palmer (2nd from left), U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, and some dignitaries. Picture: ELVIS NII NOI DOWUONA
The centre
The NuScale Energy Exploration Centre is part of the US “Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST)” programme, which supports Ghana’s plans to establish a nuclear power plant.
The new facility will not only strengthen local expertise but also ensure the secure application of this advanced technology, reinforcing Ghana’s role as a key player in Africa’s energy landscape.
Nuclear energy
Speaking at the launch, which took place at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) at Kwabenya, the US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia E. Palmer, stated that the simulator training centre was the beginning of Ghana’s nuclear energy journey.
She expressed optimism that the facility would contribute to job creation, support mineral processing and manufacturing, and drive economic growth in Ghana and the wider African region.
“By investing in nuclear technology, we are not only diversifying energy sources but also contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future”.
“The United States is proud to partner with Ghana on this nuclear energy journey — a partnership built on mutual benefit, knowledge sharing, and a long-term commitment,” Ms Palmer said.
She said reliable energy access was fundamental to progress economic growth, health, women’s empowerment, and beyond and that nuclear energy stood out as a transformative force, capable of catalysing economic development across Africa.
The US Ambassador also emphasised the benefits of the SMR technology, describing it as a cutting-edge innovation in nuclear energy that offered a safer, scalable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional reactors.
US-Ghana collaboration
The Director-General of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), Professor Samuel Boakye-Dampare, highlighted the importance of the collaboration between Ghana and the US, stressing that the simulator represented more than just a technological achievement.
“This advanced modular reactor simulator is a critical step towards building a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of Ghana’s ambitious nuclear energy programme,” he added.
Prof. Boakye-Dampare also outlined the broader impact of the centre, stating that it positioned Ghana as a regional hub of SMR technology, which would provide training opportunities across Africa and foster careers in nuclear-related fields.
He said the centre had immense potential to drive economic growth, ensure energy security and promote environmental stewardship.
Prof. Boakye-Dampare recognised the vital role of GAEC and the Nuclear Power Institute (NPI) in advancing Ghana’s nuclear programme.
The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission held a Thanksgiving Service to climax its yearlong anniversary celebration in Accra.
GAEC staff giving thanks during the 2024 Thanksgiving Service.
The service was on the theme; “60 Years of Impacting Society through Nuclear Science and Technology – Expanding Our Frontiers” and sought to highlight GAEC’s contributions to national development through nuclear science and related technologies.
In his speech, the Board Chaiman of GAEC, Dr. Kwaku Aning, recounted the vision of the first President of Ghana to establish an institution of excellence, leading in research, development and innovation with the application of nuclear sciences and allied technologies to solve the many socio-economic challenges facing Ghana.
“Today, we celebrate the legacy of the foresight, determination, and the belief of our forebears”, he added.
Dr. Aning enumerated the many significant achievements GAEC Scientists and Technologists have chalked from healthcare and nutrition, food and agriculture, environmental resource management, etc., that have not only shaped society but also had a profound impact on the development of our nation and the sub-region.
“As we reflect on our journey, it is apt that we remember the pioneering spirit of those who laid the foundation of this institution and the many others who came after them. The road has not been easy. There were skeptics who questioned the potential of nuclear science in a newly independent and developing country. However, despite the challenging times especially in the 70s and 80s, through perseverance and a commitment to excellence, we have turned those early doubts into triumphs”, he stated.
He indicated that GAEC stood as a beacon of scientific achievement and a symbol of progress for the global South – leading, coordinating and fostering Technical Cooperation under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in nuclear sciences in the Africa region.
“We have made significant contributions to the peaceful use of nuclear energy for power generation, medical advancements, agriculture, and environmental protection through research and development, innovation and technology transfer” he revealed.
Dr Aning recounted the Commission’s work that led to advancements in nuclear medicine, contributing to the diagnoses and treatment of diseases such as cancer in Ghana. He also mentioned works in agriculture that helped increase crop yields, ensuring food security in the country.
“Through research in GAEC, several lives have been saved and has also led to the empowerment of healthcare providers with the tools they need to tackle some of the most pressing health challenges of our time”, he said.
He charged GAEC researchers to be at the forefront of nuclear research, focusing on the advancement of safe, sustainable, and innovative solutions while building partnerships with international organizations, governments, and industry leaders to ensure that research churned out in GAEC has a lasting impact.
“Distinguished guests, as we celebrate our successes, we must also look ahead. The next sixty years will undoubtedly present new challenges — at the global, regional and national levels. The rapidly evolving landscape of nuclear technology, the growing demand for clean energy, issues with food and nutrition and the increasing need for collaboration in tackling global challenges such as climate change and public health require us to remain adaptable, innovative, and committed to the highest standards of research and development” he added.
The Director General of GAEC, Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare, giving his address at the Thanksgiving service.
The Director General of the Commission, Prof Samuel Boakye Dampare, in his address reiterated the accomplishments of GAEC throughout the years and indicated that there was more room for improvement. “With increased resources, we can extend the positive impact of nuclear science to various sectors of national life”, he added.
Prof Dampare opined that in order to attract and retain top talent in this highly specialized field of nuclear science and related technologies, it was crucial to improve working conditions. This he said would help address the brain-drain and high attrition rates that have affected staff lately.
“To address some of these issues, Management launched the GAEC Development Fund this year as part of the anniversary celebrations to enhance equipment and infrastructure, creating a more conducive working environment for staff. We also plan to leverage information communication technology, big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to support our work moving forward”, he revealed
He urged the government of Ghana to increase its spending on research and development (R&D) to at least 1% of GDP, as recommended by the African Union (AU) and also invited corporate institutions to invest in credible scientific bodies like GAEC to help develop homegrown solutions to national challenges, using nuclear science and related technologies.
“I challenge us to work hard and ensure that we leave a better GAEC for the next generation. This is a sacred duty we owe not only to Ghana but to Africa”, he said.
The Director General was thankful to God for His help in allowing GAEC to impact society through nuclear science and technology. He also thanked stakeholders and benefactors – local and international, especially the Government of Ghana and the International Atomic energy Agency (IAEA) for keeping faith and continuously collaborating with GAEC with all her activities throughout the years.
Lastly, he extended his sincere gratitude to all those who once worked at GAEC, whether in Management or as staff, for their invaluable contributions to the success of the commission.
The Assistant Parish Priest of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Atomic, Rev. Fr. Anthony Sefogah, who gave the sermon for the day encouraged staff to see themselves as the embodiment of GAEC. He charged staff to adopt a strong sense of patriotism to help build GAEC for the next generation.
The program brought together representatives from sister organizations, financial institutions, religious leaders, GAEC pensioners association as well as Management and Staff of GAEC.
The Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute (RAMSRI) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) organized a forum on prostate cancer awareness with stakeholders at the University of Ghana Medical Center.
The program, organized as part of the prostate cancer awareness month and the GAEC at 60 Celebrations was on the theme; “Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Radiation Treatment – What the Public Needs to Know”. It was aimed at creating awareness about the disease whiles urging men to avail themselves for screening regularly.
The forum brought together experts from diverse fields to share their knowledge on various topics in prostate early detection, diagnosis and treatment. It comprised presentations and a panel discussion to elucidate the views and misconceptions associated with the disease.
Board Chairman of GAEC, Dr. Kwaku Aning, speaking at the forum.
In his remarks, the Chairman for the day, Dr. Kwaku Aning, who doubles as the Boad Chair of GAEC, noted that prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers affecting men worldwide, yet it often went undiscussed, leaving many at risk due to lack of information or fear of seeking timely medical advice.
He added that today’s gathering was a testament to GAEC’s shared commitment to enhancing health awareness and promoting proactive and informed decision-making within our communities to deepen understanding of prostate cancer, dispel misconceptions, and empower men and their families to prioritize their health.
“We all know that education is the first and most powerful line of defense against diseases like prostate cancer. By equipping ourselves with knowledge, we can improve early detection, which is crucial for better treatment outcomes and quality of life. Many of us here today may have questions or concerns about prostate cancer – its risks, symptoms, and treatment options. This session is designed to address those questions, and we encourage open dialogue” he stated.
Dr. Aning underscored GAEC’s commitment to fostering a health-conscious society and supporting Ghanaian men in taking charge of their well-being.
“I urge each of us to take full advantage of the resources, expertise, and support networks available here today. Whether for ourselves, loved ones, or as health advocates, the information shared here is vital in our fight against prostate cancer”, he added.
He extended his heartfelt gratitude to the organizers from Ghana Atomic Energy Commission and the Ghana Society for Medical Physics for their great efforts in bringing the program to fruition. He also thanked the University of Ghana Medical Centre for hosting the event.
The Director-General of GAEC, Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare, in his solidarity message reiterated GAEC’s commitment to harnessing the power of Nuclear Science and Technology, through research to address the country’s critical needs, including health issues and the growing burden of cancer.
He added that this public engagement aligned with GAEC’s mission to contribute to Ghana’s health by highlighting research in nuclear science, medical physics, medical imaging and radiotherapy applications.
“Our scientists and medical professionals at GAEC work diligently to improve diagnostic techniques and treatment options, particularly in early detection and radio-diagnostics, which are crucial in combating prostate cancer effectively”, he said.
Prof. Dampare indicated that beyond research, GAEC was committed to public education and advocacy and has also facilitated the establishment of key health facilities such as radiotherapy and nuclear medicine centers in Ghana, in addition to training the human resource personnel needed to effectively run the centers.
“We understand that knowledge is a powerful tool against cancer, and that early detection can save lives. Through collaborative initiatives such as this one, we aim to educate, empower, and support Ghanaian men and women and their families in making informed health decisions”, he noted.
He added that this Public Engagement was one of such activities GAEC was spearheading in collaboration with the Ghana Society for Medical Physics, the University of Ghana Medical Centre, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
He revealed that GAEC undertook a cancer awareness campaign focusing on the breast and prostate this year. With an emphasis on uniting the voices of communities and taking action to defeat cancer among the population.
“In October, our cancer screening team successfully screened 1,500 individuals for breast cancer and cancer education has also been organized at several community markets, corporate organizations and religious institutions”, he stated.
Present at the program were Dr. Ignatius Awinibuno (Director of Allied Health at the Ministry of Health), Dr. Kwame Anim-Boamah (CEO of UGMC), Dr. Eric Addison (President of Ghana Society for Medical Physics). Other speakers were, Prof. Joel Yarney (Director, National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital), Prof. Verna Vanderpuye (Consultant Radiation Oncologist, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital), Dr. Samuel Asiamah (Consultant Radiologist, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital), Dr. Emmanuel Kweku Attua Asante (Head of Urology, University of Ghana Medical Centre), Dr. Adolf Kofi Awua (Cancer Epidemiologist and Principal Research Scientist, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission).
The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has commenced the third edition of its Machine Learning with R/Python Workshop to equip tertiary students with in-demand skills in artificial intelligence in Accra.
The five-day workshop aims to equip participants with practical skills in data science and machine learning focusing on R and Python, two of the most widely used programming languages in data analysis and artificial intelligence.
In his opening address, Prof. Samuel Ganyaglo, Director of the National Nuclear Research Institute (NNRI) of GAEC mentioned that machine learning is important in many fields as it enables systems to learn from data, identify patterns, and make decisions with minimal human interventions.
Prof. Ganyaglo addressing the participants at the machine learning workshop.
“Training students in advanced technologies like machine learning is crucial for building a robust future. By focusing on R and Python, we are providing you with the tools needed to excel in data science and contribute meaningfully to sectors that rely on evidence-based decision-making,” he stated.
Prof. Ganyaglo noted that scientists can leverage machine learning in various ways across multiple disciplines to enhance their research and analysis.
“As scientists, by integrating machine learning into our work, we can enhance our research capabilities, make more informed decisions, and contribute to advancements in our respective fields. I am therefore hopeful that management will collaborate with the project coordinators to organize this workshop for GAEC scientists in the future,” he added.
On her part, one of the project coordinators for the Physics Without Frontiers Ghana, Dr. Irene Opoku Ntim encouraged the participants to take the training seriously and apply the knowledge gained to their thesis analysis.
“This training is a fantastic opportunity for you to gain a practical skill that’s becoming essential in today’s job market,” she added.
The program was organized in collaboration with the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) without Frontiers and the National Nuclear Research Institute (NNRI) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC).
The Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute (RAMSRI), in collaboration with the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) Hospital, has held a health walk as part of its breast cancer awareness campaign throughout the month of October.
The walk brought together management of staff of GAEC, representatives from other government agencies, non-governmental organisations, partners and political leaders who jointly embarked on the walk which was on the theme: “Uniting Our Voices and Taking Action”.
The walk began from the GAEC Hospital at Atomic with some brief aerobics, after which they marched through the principal streets of Dome-Kwabenya-Haatso accompanied by brass band music, and sharing flyers containing vital educative information on breast cancer.
They also carried along banners and placards with key information such as: “If you began menopause at an older age, you’re more likely to develop breast cancer” and “Changes in the Size, Shape or Appearance of your breast may be a symptom of breast cancer”.
Professor Dickson Adomako, the Deputy Director General of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), in an interview with the media said, the health walk was to educate and create awareness about breast cancer.
He said breast cancer had been noted to be rising in recent years ahead of other cancers, therefore it was crucial for people to have periodic screening for early detection and treatment.
He emphasised that breast cancer was not for only women but also for men and encouraged them to also partake in the free screening programme within the month.
Prof. Adomako urged everyone to prioritise breast cancer screening and practice the necessary preventative measures.
He said it was amazing to see such a great number of GAEC staff, other associate institutions and stakeholders coming out to join the initiative to create awareness of breast cancer to help reduce the devastation that often robbed families of their loved ones.
Prof. Francis Hasford, the Director of RAMSRI, noted that increases in the yearly record of breast cancer cases were becoming alarming for humanity, hence the creation of the awareness months to educate the public on the disease and the need for early diagnosis.
He said, “we must encourage people to go for periodic screening to aid in early detection for early diagnosis.”
He explained that although females were highly predisposed to breast cancer than their male counterparts, some negative lifestyles like smoking, excessive drinking of alcohol and unhealthy foods also contributed to the onset of disease.
Professor Hansford said free health screen was on-going at the GAEC hospital in Accra, for throughout the month of October, and encouraged all to take the opportunity to screen for early detection.
Dr Nii Boye Hammond, the Medical Superintendent of the GAEC Hospital, said the walk was to advocate for early screening of breast cancer to prevent it from developing into a severe and fatal condition, and urged both men and women to have periodic checks.
He said breast cancer was curable if detected early, and said the hospital had been screening people since the beginning of the month to safeguard the health of Ghanaians.
“We also have screenings at market centres, lorry stations, shops and even for individuals who chance upon the screening process,” he added.
Dr Hammond said alongside the breast cancer screening and awareness creation, was also some education and services on Prostate cancer to heighten the need for men to undergo yearly screening for early detection, to prevent the onset of the devastating ailment that also plague men, leading to high fatality in Ghana and globally.
Source: GNA
He added that this Public Engagement was one of such activities GAEC was spearheading in collaboration with the Ghana Society for Medical Physics, the University of Ghana Medical Centre, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
