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The Director‑General of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), Prof. Samuel B. Dampare, has said that strong accountability systems and ethical governance will be central to shaping the future of scientific research and innovation at GAEC.

He made this statement at the formal inauguration of the newly constituted Audit Committee of GAEC, held at the conference room of the Radiation Protection Institute (RPI), GAEC.

According to him, as a public sector institution engaged in scientific research and development, GAEC must uphold the highest standards of financial discipline, ethical conduct, and institutional oversight to sustain public trust and deliver measurable national impact.

 

“Accountability and ethics are not optional add‑ons to scientific progress; they are foundational pillars that ensure our innovations are credible, sustainable, and firmly aligned with the public interest,” he stated.

Prof. Dampare noted that the timely inauguration of the Audit Committee demonstrates GAEC’s commitment to Ghana’s Public Financial Management (PFM) framework and to strengthening internal control systems to safeguard public resources.

“The Audit Committee plays a critical oversight role in ensuring compliance, risk management, value for money, and is a key step in the Commission’s efforts to strengthen governance, transparency, and public accountability in line with national development priorities,” he explained.

He highlighted that the Committee’s composition, comprising representatives from the GAEC Board, and independent professionals, was deliberately structured to promote independence, objectivity, and technical competence in the execution of its mandate.

“This blend of expertise is essential for credible oversight as audit committees must not be passive reviewers, but active guardians of accountability and institutional performance,” he added.

The Director‑General paid tribute to the outgoing Audit Committee members for what he described as dedicated and professional service, and credited them with strengthening GAEC’s internal control mechanisms, compliance, and supporting Management in improving financial discipline.

He took the opportunity to congratulate the newly appointed members of the committee and underscored the confidence reposed in their expertise, integrity, and sense of public duty.

“Be guided by the statutory responsibilities under the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921) and the revised Audit Committee Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Finance in 2023”, he charged.

Administering the Oaths of Office and Secrecy on behalf of the Director General of the Internal Audit Agency (IAA), Mr. Thomas Ashaley Thompson-Aryee, the Deputy Director General of the Agency, in charge of Finance, Administration and Support Services, Mr. Bismark Abobi-Ayitey, urged the new members to discharge their duties without fear or favour. He encouraged them to work within the principles of the Public Financial Management (PFM) Act.

“Look at sections 86, 87, and 88, that is where the work of the Audit Committee is grounded”, he added.

He encouraged the members to pursue the implementation of recommendations in the internal audit reports and urged the Management of GAEC to give them the needed cooperation.

“It is important that during the discussions of the findings of the internal audit report, one of the top Management team members of GAEC be present so that you understand the issues as to how they are supposed to be”, he added.

The new Internal Audit Committee of GAEC is chaired by Dr. Cynthia Ayorkor Sallah (Independent member) with Mr. Caleb Owula as secretary. The rest are; Ms. Joyce Reynolds (Independent member), Mr. Nii Akwei Tetteh (Independent member), Mr. Albert Quashigah (GAEC Board Member), and Madam Suweibatu Adam (GAEC Board Member) as members.

The outgoing chairman of the Audit Committee, Mr. Richard Darko, on behalf of his team thanked the Director-General of GAEC and his Management team for their co-operation and ensuring the implementation of the recommendations made in the Audit Reports.

The inauguration was also attended by the Deputy Director General of GAEC, Prof. Francis Hasford, Members of the Executive Committee of GAEC, representatives from the Communication and Public Relations Center (CPRC) of GAEC and representatives from the Internal Audit Agency of Ghana.

By: CPRC/CCD

The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), through its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre, has organized a training programme in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for selected Junior High School students of the GAEC Basic School.

The initiative, implemented under the Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development (AI4SD) Project and sponsored by the French Government, is designed to equip young learners with foundational knowledge and practical skills in emerging technologies.

The programme aims to prepare students for future opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), while fostering early interest in innovation and problem-solving.

The programme was officially opened by the Director of the Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI), Professor Michael Osae, on behalf of the Director General of GAEC, Professor Samuel Boakye Dampare.

Professor Osae described artificial intelligence as a powerful tool for sustainable development across all sectors of the economy, citing its growing use in areas such as financial technology, agriculture, and irrigation systems.

“What was once considered science fiction has now become a reality,” he remarked.

Professor Osae further cautioned students on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, stressing the importance of responsible and positive application.

“AI can be used for both good and bad. As young people, you must learn to apply it ethically and for the benefit of society,” he advised.

He encouraged students to practice consistently and take their early exposure to AI and robotics seriously, noting that such dedication could open doors to international opportunities, including global robotics competitions.

Delivering the welcome address, the Director of Administration, Mr. William Srekumah, described the programme as a unique opportunity to expose students to essential technological competencies critical for national and socioeconomic development.

He emphasized that artificial intelligence and robotics have become central to modern problem-solving, job creation, and economic growth and encouraged the students to take full advantage of the opportunity and to actively engage throughout the training.

“Technology has advanced to the point where you can experience artificial intelligence at a very early stage. Ask questions and make the most of this remarkable opportunity,” he urged.

He also expressed gratitude to the French Government for its support of the initiative.

By: CPRC/CCD

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

The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission has welcomed partners of the SAPPHIRE Project for a week-long workshop at the MENSVIC hotel in Accra, aimed at strengthening radiotherapy capacity across Africa.

With a focus on expanding access to Medical Linear Accelerators (MLINACs) in low- and middle-income countries, the workshop run from April 13 to 18 and hosted by the Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute (RAMSRI) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC).

Funded by Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) of the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Supra‑African Physics Partnership for Health Innovation and Radiotherapy Expansion (SAPPHIRE) is a two‑year programme with the main objective of addressing 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 workshop brought together medical physicists, clinicians, researchers and other key stakeholders from across Africa, Canada, United Kingdom and the United States to help bridge human resource gap, build sustainable technical and clinical capacity for radiotherapy on the continent and to improve access to and understanding of MLINAC technology, which is critical for the effective treatment of cancer.

Delivering the official opening statement, the Acting Director-General of GAEC, Prof. Francis Hasford, underscored the importance of building local technical expertise to sustain radiotherapy services.

“Reliable cancer treatment depends not only on equipment availability but also on the presence of skilled medical physicists, engineers, and technical professionals who can operate and maintain complex systems effectively”, he stressed.
Prof. Hasford highlighted the SAPPHIRE Project’s collaborative framework, which brings together African institutions and global leaders in accelerator science and medical physics to support innovation, research cooperation, and technology transfer. “This approach ensures solutions are both internationally informed and locally adaptable to the operational realities of African radiotherapy centres”, he added

He further noted that the objectives of the SAPPHIRE Project align closely with Ghana’s national efforts to expand access to quality cancer treatment and strengthen specialized healthcare delivery.

“At the regional level, the project also supports Africa’s broader commitment to equitable access to radiotherapy services through shared learning, cooperation, and collective capacity development among African states” he explained.

By CPRC/CCD

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.

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

 

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.

“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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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 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

 

 

 

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.

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

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.

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