The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), through the School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences (SNAS), hosted the West African commemoration of the 2026 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction in Accra on Wednesday.

The event, held at the SNAS Conference Hall under the theme, “Building Resilience at Home: The Key to a Safer Household,” brought together disaster management agencies, scientists, policymakers, development partners and stakeholders from across West Africa to promote disaster risk reduction across the region through preparedness and resilience at the household and community levels.

Participants included representatives of the Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Red Cross Society, Ghana Geological Survey Authority and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), as well as members of academia and civil society organisations.

The event was organised through a collaboration led by the School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (SNAS-GAEC), together with the Africa Science and Technology Advisory Group on Disaster Risk Reduction (AfSTAG-DRR), the Africa Youth Advisory Board (AYAB) on Disaster Risk Reduction in West Africa, the African Union, and the African Partnership Enhancing Discourse and Advocacy for Disaster Risk Reduction (APEDA).

The programme, supported with funding from APEDA and the African Union Commission, was coordinated by Prof. Paulina Amponsah, Chief Research Scientist, SNAS; Prof. Joseph Fianko, Dean, SNAS; Prof. David Kpeglo, Vice Dean, SNAS; and Dr. Amos Forson, Head of the Department, Nuclear Science and Applications, SNAS, whose efforts helped bring together key stakeholders to discuss practical strategies for strengthening disaster preparedness and resilience across the sub-region.

In his welcome address, the Director-General of GAEC, Prof. Samuel B. Dampare, underscored the importance of empowering households and communities to better respond to emergencies and disasters.

He noted that while governments and institutions have critical roles to play, resilience ultimately begins with informed and prepared individuals and families.

“Are we aware of the risks around us? Do we understand early warnings? Do our families know what to do in an emergency? Are our homes and communities adequately prepared?” he asked.

Prof. Dampare noted that strengthening resilience begins with awareness and informed decision-making. He emphasised the need for continuous public education, community sensitisation and practical measures that enable families to respond effectively to emergencies.

Additionally, he observed that West Africa continues to face a range of hazards, including flooding, coastal erosion, landslides, fires, road accidents, conflicts and environmental degradation, necessitating the need for coordinated and proactive approaches to disaster risk reduction.

He also highlighted the contributions of science, technology and innovation to disaster risk management, noting that advances in research and early warning systems can help communities anticipate hazards and take timely action before disasters occur.

“Building resilience requires more than responding when disaster strikes. It demands continuous public education, community sensitisation and capacity building to equip individuals, institutions and communities to anticipate, prepare for and respond effectively to emergencies,” he said.

On his part, the Chairman of the GAEC Governing Board, Prof. Abdulai Baba Salifu, emphasised that resilience is fundamental to human security and sustainable development and noted that resilient households form the foundation of resilient communities and nations, making disaster risk reduction a shared responsibility that extends beyond emergency response agencies.

“Resilience lies at the very heart of human security, and strong households, supported by effective institutions and coordinated public action, are essential to reducing disaster risks,” he said.

Prof. Salifu urged a transition from emergency response-centred approaches to preventive risk management.

“Investments in awareness creation, resilient infrastructure and institutional preparedness remain essential to safeguarding lives and supporting sustainable development,” he added.

He further underscored the importance of collective responsibility and how effective disaster risk reduction depended on strong partnerships among government agencies, academia, emergency responders, development partners and local communities.

The keynote speaker, Emeritus Prof. Jacob Songsore, drew attention to the role of households as the building blocks of resilient communities. He argued that preparedness efforts are most effective when they are rooted in everyday practices within homes and neighborhoods.

Emeritus Prof. Songsore also said that resilience is shaped not only by national policies and institutional frameworks but also by individual responsibility, household dynamics and community-level leadership.

“The level of the household, the level of the individual responsibility, and the level of domestic governance and power relations all play a critical role,” he stated.

He  further emphasised that resilience cannot be imposed from the top down but must be supported through the active participation of households, local authorities, emergency response agencies and development partners working together towards a shared goal of safer communities.

“Embrace disaster risk reduction as a continuous process that requires commitment and preparedness at every level of society,” he added.

The programme featured goodwill messages from participants from Benin, Nigeria, The Gambia and Senegal in solidarity with Ghana and to stress the importance of regional cooperation in addressing shared disaster risks.

It also included keynote presentations, technical sessions, panel discussions and stakeholder engagements focused on disaster preparedness, risk communication, emergency response coordination, community resilience and sustainable development. The discussions provided a valuable platform for participants to exchange experiences, share best practices and explore practical strategies for strengthening household preparedness and enhancing institutional collaboration across the sub-region.

The event was attended by Directors, Deputy Directors, Managers, scientists and staff of GAEC, as well as students of the School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences and pupils of the GAEC Basic School, whose participation underscored the importance of cultivating disaster awareness and preparedness among future generations.

The commemoration concluded with a renewed call for individuals, families, institutions and policymakers to make disaster preparedness an integral part of everyday life.

By: CPRC/CCD

 

The Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has urged the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) to strengthen public awareness of its role in national development.

She made the call during a working visit to GAEC, where she engaged Management on the Commission’s activities, achievements, operational challenges and future development plans.

According to the Minister, many people remain unaware of GAEC’s impact on healthcare, agriculture, environmental protection and other critical sectors of the Ghanaian economy, underscoring the need for increased public awareness of the Commission’s work and relevance.

The Minister stated that GAEC’s work extends beyond nuclear research into critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, mining and environmental protection, making it important for the public to better appreciate the Commission’s mandate and contributions.

She highlighted the application of nuclear science and related technologies in medical diagnostics, treatment, radiation monitoring, water testing, mining and environmental assessment. She noted that greater public understanding of these applications would enhance appreciation of the Commission’s role in improving lives and supporting economic growth.

“I feel that the public should get to know a little bit more about who you are and what you do because your work contributes to various sectors of the economy,” she said.

The Minister acknowledged the challenge of retaining the specialised expertise required to support the country’s ambitions in nuclear science and technology.

“The field that you occupy is very specialised, and it takes an average of at least 15 years to develop someone to a level where they can make meaningful contributions in this field and do something for Ghana. We should therefore do our utmost to retain such highly skilled persons within our jurisdiction,” she added.

She said that as Ghana advances its plans to deploy nuclear power, investment in infrastructure must be matched by investment in human resource development and retention.

The Minister further assured Management that discussions would continue to address the Commission’s challenges, including concerns about staff attrition and the support required to enhance its operations.

Welcoming the Minister and her delegation, the Director-General of GAEC, Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare, expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as a great opportunity to showcase the Commission’s achievements, discuss operational challenges and explore areas requiring government support.

“Your visit provides an important opportunity for us to showcase the impact of nuclear science and related technologies in addressing national development challenges and to share our vision for the future,” he stated.

He reaffirmed GAEC’s commitment to advancing scientific research and applying nuclear science and technology to address national development priorities, particularly in food security, healthcare, environmental protection and nuclear energy development.

As part of the engagement, the Director of the Commercialisation and Communication Directorate (CCD), Nana Boateng, presented an overview of GAEC’s research achievements, facilities, commercial services and ongoing projects.

The Director stated that GAEC, through its Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI), continues to make significant contributions to food security and sustainable agriculture through the application of nuclear and related technologies.

“BNARI has developed nine improved cassava varieties, including Vitamin A-rich varieties, and distributed 10,000 cassava planting materials to farmers to support increased agricultural productivity and improved nutrition,” he said.

He added that advances in tissue culture, mutation breeding, genome editing and smart agriculture were helping to improve crop yields and support national food security efforts.

Highlighting the Commission’s impact on healthcare and radiation science, the Director noted that GAEC continues to support research into major public health challenges, including cancer and malaria.

“GAEC currently operates a nationwide radiation monitoring network with more than 1,000 base stations and has trained 30 medical physicists from 13 African countries, reinforcing Ghana’s position as a regional hub for nuclear science education and capacity building,” he stated.

The Director further disclosed that approximately 2,000 occupationally exposed persons are monitored annually to ensure compliance with radiation safety standards.

On future developments, Nana Boateng outlined several strategic projects aimed at enhancing research capacity, service delivery and commercialisation.

“Key projects currently being pursued by the Commission include the establishment of an Electron-Beam (E-Beam) Irradiation Facility, the expansion of the genome-editing laboratory, refurbishment of the Secondary Standard Dosimetry Laboratory, the development of an Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence and initiatives towards the local production of medical radioisotopes,” he revealed.

The visit concluded with a tour of selected facilities, including the Personnel Dosimetry Laboratory, Radon Laboratory, Secondary Standard Dosimetry Laboratory (SSDL) and Simulator Training centre, providing the Minister with firsthand insight into the technologies and facilities underpinning GAEC’s contributions to national development.

By: CPRC/CCD

The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has highlighted the contribution of nuclear science and related technologies to healthcare, agriculture, radiation safety and scientific development in Ghana.

The Commission outlined its work during a visit by the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, as part of her working tour of agencies under the Ministry.

The engagement provided an opportunity for the Commission’s leadership and technical personnel to brief the Minister on its mandate, research activities, achievements and challenges requiring attention.

Officials explained that the Commission’s responsibilities extend beyond atomic energy to include scientific research, training, technical services and the commercialisation of research outcomes.

In healthcare, GAEC highlighted its work in radiation monitoring, cancer-related research and medical physics training.

Officials reported that the institution had monitored more than 1,000 breast cancer patients and over 2,000 occupational radiation workers.

The Commission also reported training more than 30 medical physicists from 13 African countries, contributing to the development of specialised expertise within Ghana and across the continent.

These activities form part of the institution’s broader contribution to radiation safety, scientific research and the application of nuclear technology in medical services.

Despite its achievements, the Commission identified several challenges affecting its operations, including inadequate research funding, high electricity costs, outdated laboratory equipment and difficulties retaining skilled personnel.

Officials outlined plans to establish a secondary standard dosimetry laboratory to support the calibration of instruments used in hospitals and other radiation-related applications.

The Commission also proposed an artificial intelligence centre of excellence to improve the use of data generated through its scientific activities.

Another priority is the development of domestic medical radioisotope production capacity for applications including cancer treatment and nuclear medicine.

Officials indicated that additional financial resources would be required to advance these projects and modernise existing facilities.

The retention of highly trained personnel was also raised as a concern, with the Commission highlighting the time and resources required to develop specialists capable of undertaking advanced scientific research and technical work.

LAND SECURITY AND PUBLIC SAFETY

Land encroachment around sensitive facilities featured prominently in the discussions.

The Commission expressed concern about activities near its radiation waste management centre, highlighting the need to protect the area against developments that could compromise security and safety.

The Minister emphasised the importance of protecting public assets and maintaining appropriate safety arrangements around nuclear-related facilities.

Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings assured the agencies under her Ministry that their concerns would be considered, while noting that any support would have to be assessed against available resources.

The visit formed part of her broader engagement with the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, the National Biosafety Authority and the Nuclear Regulatory Authority.

The discussions highlighted the importance of sustained investment in scientific research, modern infrastructure and specialist personnel to enable Ghana to maximise the benefits of science and technology for national development.

Source: radiogoldlive.com

Contributors of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) Superannuation Fund, on Wednesday, 30th September 2026, held their 8th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the GAEC Auditorium in Accra.

The meeting, held under the theme “Building Resilient and Sustainable Pension Funds for Lasting Retirement Security,” brought together contributors, trustees, fund managers, auditors, and other stakeholders to review the performance of the scheme, discuss strategies for its long-term sustainability, and call for stronger governance, prudent investment strategies, and sustainable pension fund management to safeguard contributors’ retirement security.

In his opening address, the Chairperson of the AGM and Director-General of GAEC, Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare, commended the fund managers, trustees, and other stakeholders for their stewardship and commitment to safeguarding the retirement interests of contributors.

He noted that while managing pension funds presents significant challenges, pension administration must be guided by a long-term vision that ensures the fund remains strong enough to meet its obligations to contributors, well into the future.

Prof. Dampare called on the scheme’s fund managers to pursue innovative yet prudent investment approaches, guided by sound governance principles and strict adherence to relevant legal, regulatory, and professional frameworks.

He further urged stakeholders to uphold transparency, integrity, and accountability in the management of the scheme while embracing innovation that enhances service delivery without compromising the security of contributors’ retirement savings.

“We need innovative financial products, sustainable and competitive interest-rate propositions, and technology-enabled services that solve real problems for contributors,” he added.

Speaking on the purpose of the AGM, the Chairman of the Superannuation Management Committee (SMC) and Deputy Director-General of GAEC, Prof. Francis Hasford, explained that the AGM serves as an important platform for accountability, transparency, engagement, and collective decision-making on issues relating to the management and sustainability of the scheme.

He stated that the meeting provided an opportunity for contributors to review the activities of the previous year, consider reports on the scheme, engage with the Board of Trustees, and contribute to shaping the future direction of the fund.

“The long-term strength of any pension scheme depends not only on sound investment and product management but also on effective governance, transparency, member participation, and a shared commitment to sustainability,” he noted.

He therefore encouraged contributors to actively participate in discussions aimed at improving the scheme and enhancing retirement security for members.

Delivering the closing remarks, the Co-Chairperson of the AGM and Director-General of the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA), Prof. Francis Otoo, encouraged fund managers to continue pursuing innovative approaches that would strengthen the scheme and boost contributors’ confidence.

He expressed optimism that future AGMs would showcase further improvements and innovations in the management of the fund.

The AGM provided contributors with an opportunity to engage directly with trustees and fund managers, review reports on the scheme’s performance, and contribute to discussions on its future direction. Discussions focused on the fund’s performance, governance, investment outlook, and measures to ensure its long-term sustainability, culminating in a renewed commitment to safeguarding the retirement security of both current and future contributors.

By: CPRC/CCD

The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has engaged a team from the French Embassy and Channel One TV on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in advancing sustainable development and preparing the next generation of nuclear scientists in Ghana.

The delegation was received by the Director-General of GAEC, Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare; the Director of the Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute (RAMSRI), Dr. Theodosia Adom; the Director of the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI), Dr. Joseph Bremang Tandoh; and other officials of the Commission.

During the engagement, Prof. Dampare highlighted GAEC’s efforts to integrate emerging technologies, including AI, into its research, innovation, and capacity-building programmes.

“AI is increasingly becoming an important tool for addressing complex challenges in sectors such as agriculture, health, energy, space science, environmental management, and industry,” he said.

Prof. Dampare underscored GAEC’s commitment to developing the human resource base required to drive scientific and technological advancement in the country.

“Through our Research Institutes and the Graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, GAEC continues to provide opportunities for students, young researchers, and professionals to acquire critical skills in nuclear science while gaining exposure to AI and other emerging technologies,” he added.

He further emphasized that equipping young scientists with knowledge in artificial intelligence, nuclear science, and related technologies is essential for building a workforce capable of developing innovative solutions to national and global development challenges.

The team toured selected laboratories and research facilities within GAEC to gain first-hand insight into the Commission’s efforts to train the next generation of scientists and researchers and explore the growing role of AI in research.

The tour included the National Nuclear Research Institute (NNRI), led by Prof. Samuel Ganyaglo; the Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI), headed by Prof. Michael Osae; the Radiation Protection Institute (RPI), headed by Dr. Eric Glover; the Nuclear Power Institute (NPI), led by Dr. Archibold Buah-Kwofie; and the Graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences (SNAS), headed by Prof. Joseph Richmond Fianko.

The engagement reaffirmed GAEC’s commitment to harnessing artificial intelligence in nuclear science and technology for national development while strengthening the capacity of researchers to drive Ghana’s future.

By: CPRC/CCD

The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) is advancing research in CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology to support sustainable agriculture, as scientists explored innovative approaches to develop improved crop varieties at a training programme in Accra.

The training and mentorship programme, organised by the African Orphan Crops Consortium (AOCC) in collaboration with the UC Davis Plant Breeding Academy, sought to build capacity in plant genome editing and establish CRISPR-Cas9 platforms at participating research institutions across Africa.

The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) is a modern genome-editing technology that enables scientists to make precise changes to the DNA of crops to enhance desirable traits such as disease resistance, improved nutritional value, and tolerance to environmental stresses.

Speaking in an interview after the training, the Manager of the Plant Disease Research Centre of the Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI) of GAEC, Dr. Andrew Sarkodie Appiah, said the CRISPR-Cas9 programme began in 2023 with a year-long training course in Nairobi, Kenya, comprising three intensive two-week sessions.

“I participated in the inaugural cohort, while two other researchers from the Centre joined subsequent cohorts, enabling the Commission to build a growing pool of expertise in genome editing research,” he said.

Dr. Appiah noted that, following the training, participants received seed funding to establish CRISPR-Cas9 platforms at their respective institutions and enabled the GAEC research team to apply the technology in rice research targeting key traits such as virus resistance, nitrogen-use efficiency, iodine biofortification, and salinity tolerance.

 

He explained that participating institutions have received continuous support from mentors who visit research facilities to supervise activities, provide technical guidance, and assist researchers in addressing challenges encountered during the project implementation.

“We recently welcomed a mentor for a four-day visit, during which activities included the commencement of genetic transformation work. The visit marked the mentor’s second engagement with the research team and formed part of the continuing supervision and technical support provided under the programme,” he added.

Speaking during the visit, the Director of Mentorship at the African Orphan Crops Consortium, Dr. Nicholas George Karavolias, explained that the mentorship programme was designed to support the establishment and advancement of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing platforms across Africa, with Ghana among the participating countries.

According to him, Ghana’s participation in the programme has yielded encouraging results, with the GAEC-BNARI research team demonstrating remarkable progress and emerging as a regional hub for knowledge sharing and technical collaboration.

He noted that the team’s progress has already begun benefiting the wider region through collaborations and knowledge-sharing initiatives with scientists in neighbouring countries, including colleagues at the University of Abomey-Calavi in Benin.

Dr. Karavolias expressed confidence in the potential of genome editing technology to transform agriculture in Ghana and across Africa and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the team’s continued progress.

“The team at GAEC is emerging as a leader in genome editing research in Africa. Their achievements demonstrate the continent’s growing scientific capacity, and we are confident that this work will contribute significantly to transforming agriculture and strengthening food security across Africa” he stated.

By: CPRC/CCD

 

Ghana’s Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna, Her Excellency Matilda Aku Alomatu Osei-Agyeman has paid a working visit to the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) in Accra.

The visit gave the Ambassador the opportunity to familiarize herself with the Commission’s research activities, infrastructure, scientific expertise, and contributions to national development through nuclear science and related technologies.

Welcoming the Ambassador, the Director General of GAEC, Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare, expressed his delight at receiving her at the Commission, describing the visit as significant in reinforcing the longstanding collaboration between GAEC and Ghana’s Mission in Vienna.

Prof. Dampare noted that the cordial relationship between GAEC and the Mission has played a pivotal role in advancing Ghana’s participation in international nuclear cooperation and the activities of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

“We are honoured to welcome you to GAEC. Your support and the hospitality consistently extended to our staff whenever they visit Vienna are deeply appreciated. We are pleased that you have taken the opportunity to visit us and witness first-hand the breadth of work we undertake to support Ghana’s socio-economic development through nuclear science and technology,” he said.

Addressing GAEC Management, Ambassador Osei-Agyeman expressed appreciation to the leadership and staff of GAEC for the warm reception, noting that her decision to visit GAEC was motivated by her desire to gain a better understanding of the Commission’s operations to represent Ghana more effectively at the IAEA and other international platforms.

“I have been in Vienna for a little over a year, and I felt it was important to come and see for myself what GAEC does. When I speak about Ghana’s achievements in nuclear science and technology, I want to do so from first-hand knowledge,” she stated.

She praised GAEC for its consistent technical support to Ghana’s Mission in Vienna, highlighting that the Commission has always responded promptly whenever expert information was required for international engagements.

“Whenever I ask for guidance or technical information, it comes within record time. That support gives me confidence whenever I represent Ghana at international discussions,” she noted.

She added that her visit would enable her to better appreciate the Commission’s achievements, understand its challenges and improve advocacy for Ghana’s nuclear science agenda on the international stage.

Delivering an overview of the Commission, the Deputy Director General of GAEC, Prof. Francis Hasford, highlighted the Commission’s broad mandate and growing contribution to national development through research, innovation, capacity building and specialised technical services.

“Over the years, the Commission has screened more than 3,000 people for various cancers, trained hundreds of farmers and radiation professionals, monitored over 800 telecommunications base stations, tested hundreds of environmental samples for radioactivity and engaged thousands of students in science education programmes,” he stated.

He further highlighted GAEC’s facilities, including the Ghana Research Reactor-1 (GHARR-1) Centre, Gamma Irradiation Facility, Secondary Standards Dosimetry Laboratory and the Radioactive Waste Management Centre, all of which support research, healthcare, industry, and food preservation.

Prof. Hasford expressed appreciation to the Ambassador for her continued support and was optimistic that the visit would open new opportunities for deeper collaboration between GAEC, Ghana’s Mission in Vienna and the IAEA.

The Ambassador later toured selected facilities including the Ghana Research Reactor-1 (GHARR-1) Centre, the Personnel Dosimetry Laboratory, the Radioactive Waste Management Centre, the Accelerator Research Centre, the E2 Small Modular Reactor Simulation Centre, the GAEC AI Centre, the Plant Disease Research Centre and the Gamma Irradiation Facility to gain a first-hand appreciation of GAEC’s research, scientific infrastructure and innovative technologies.

By: CPRC/CCD

The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has urged stakeholders to support efforts to protect Ghana’s groundwater systems, warning that growing environmental pressures threaten a vital source of water for millions of people.

The call was made at the National Stakeholder Meeting on Isotope Hydrology held at GAEC under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Technical Cooperation Project RAF 7024, “Accelerating the Use of Isotope Hydrology in Water Resources Management in Africa.”

The meeting brought together researchers, policymakers, academics, regulators, water sector institutions and development partners to discuss how isotope hydrology coupled with other conventional techniques can support sustainable water resources management.

Delivering the welcome address on behalf of the Director-General of GAEC, Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare, the Dean of the Graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences (SNAS), Prof. Richmond Fianko, underscored the urgency of safeguarding Ghana’s water resources in the face of increasing environmental threats.

“Water remains the single most important natural resource for human survival, yet it is also among the most threatened,” he said.

He cited the impacts of degradation on rivers and other surface water bodies through illegal mining, poor waste management and unsustainable agricultural practices.

According to him, the growing pressure on surface water sources has made groundwater increasingly important for domestic, agricultural and industrial use.

“Isotope hydrology offers critical scientific tools for understanding how aquifers are recharged, assessing their vulnerability to pollution and saltwater intrusion, as well as supporting sustainable management strategies”, he added.

Prof. Fianko stressed that the protection of groundwater resources requires strong collaboration among stakeholders, noting that scientific research is most effective when supported by broad institutional participation and national ownership.

The Director of the National Nuclear Research Institute (NNRI) and Project Counterpart, Prof. Samuel Ganyaglo, in a short remark highlighted the strategic importance of the Volta Basin, describing it as a lifeline for millions of people through its contribution to agriculture, energy production and domestic water supply.

“Increasing water demand and climate-related pressures require more advanced scientific approaches to water resource management”, he said.

He further indicated that Ghana’s isotope hydrology programme has grown significantly since the establishment of the Isotope Hydrology Laboratory in 2005 through a collaboration between GAEC, national stakeholders and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

“What began as a national initiative has evolved into a regional effort involving several African countries working within shared aquifers and river basins,” he said.

Prof. Ganyaglo added that isotope techniques generate reliable scientific data that can support evidence-based policymaking and help protect groundwater and river systems for future generations and called on participants to engage actively in developing a unified roadmap for water security.

The IAEA Project Management Officer (PMO), Mr. Chukwudi Anyanwu, emphasized the need to strengthen the utilization of data generated through the project by research institutions, academia, and policymakers.

“Scientific findings must move beyond data generation to practical application in addressing water management challenges across Ghana and the wider Volta Basin,” he said.

Mr. Anyanwu also posed a number of pertinent questions to participants to stimulate discussions and encourage the exchange of ideas on the effective implementation of the project.

Present at the national stakeholder meeting were researchers from the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), the Water Resources Commission (WRC), the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA), and the Water Research Institute (WRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Other participants included representatives from academia, financial institutions, development partners, and policymaking bodies.

Participants reviewed findings from earlier phases of the IAEA-supported programme and discussed priorities for the current phase of the project, including the selection of study sites, sampling strategies, analytical requirements, and stakeholder roles. The engagement is expected to produce a coordinated framework for implementing isotope hydrology studies within the Volta Basin while strengthening Ghana’s leadership in the application of nuclear technologies and other advanced scientific methods for sustainable water resources management in West Africa.

By: CPRC/CCD

The Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) hosted Japanese astronaut Dr. Koichi Wakata as part of efforts to inspire young Ghanaians to pursue careers in engineering and space exploration.

The event, dubbed the Astronaut and Strategic Partnership Meeting, was held at the Ghana Radio Astronomy Observatory (GRAO) under the theme, “From Ghana to Space: Building Africa’s Next Generation of Space Scientists and Explorers.”

The programme brought together staff, students, researchers and policymakers to discuss Ghana’s space development journey, opportunities for international collaboration and the future of space science in the country.

Delivering the welcome address, the Director of GSSTI, Dr. Joseph Tandoh, stated that Ghana’s space journey began in 2011 when the country joined the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, an international initiative aimed at developing the world’s largest radio telescope network.

“Ghana successfully converted an abandoned satellite communication dish at Kuntunse into a functioning radio telescope, leading to the establishment of the Ghana Radio Astronomy Observatory in 2017. With support from Japan, Ghana also launched its first satellite that same year, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards becoming an active participant in the global space industry,” he explained.

Dr. Tandoh noted that Ghana had since developed a National Space Policy, which was approved by Cabinet and officially launched in 2024, while efforts continue to establish the legal and institutional framework required for its full implementation.

“Space technology already supports our daily lives through communication, navigation, weather forecasting and many other services. We want Ghana to move beyond being merely a consumer and become a contributor to the global space economy. This engagement with the renowned astronaut is intended to inspire scientists, researchers and students and encourage more young Ghanaians to pursue careers in space science and related fields,” he said.

Dr. Tandoh acknowledged that while sending a Ghanaian astronaut into space remains a long-term aspiration, the dream is achievable with sustained commitment and investment.

“If we invest in the right infrastructure, resources and human capital, Ghana can one day produce its own astronaut,” he added.

Addressing participants at the event, Dr. Koichi Wakata, who has flown to space five times and spent more than 500 days in orbit, described his visit as an opportunity to deepen collaboration between Ghana and international partners in the space sector.

He noted that Ghana’s future in space lies in building local capacity in satellite development, operation and utilisation.

According to him, satellite technology has the potential to support critical sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, mining, environmental monitoring and disaster management through satellite imagery, data collection and real-time monitoring.

“As I mentioned earlier, I witnessed the deployment of Ghana’s first satellite from the International Space Station in 2017. It is important for Ghana to continue expanding its capabilities in satellite production, operation and utilisation,” he stated.

He encouraged Ghanaian students to take advantage of opportunities in space research, suggesting that student-led experiments could be sent to space as a cost-effective means of promoting science education and innovation.

“Student experiments can be sent to the International Space Station. Even simple projects, such as growing plants in space, can be exciting and inspiring for young people. I believe selecting experiments through national competitions and sending them to space would be a cost-effective way to promote science education and build capacity in space science and technology,” he said.

He emphasised that international cooperation remains essential for any country seeking success in space exploration.

“It is very difficult to do it on your own. You need partners, and that is why collaboration is important,” he added.

Speaking on her experience, a final-year student of Kwabenya Community Senior High School, Ms. Okyere Margaret Afia Boaduwaa, said the programme had inspired her despite her interest in medicine rather than astronomy.

“Today I got to meet a real astronaut and participate in the programme. It has inspired me because I now see how everything is connected through science and technology,” she said.

Another student participant from the GAEC Basic School, Mr. Jeremy Sosu, described meeting Dr. Wakata as a dream come true and said the interaction had strengthened his interest in science. He expressed hope that the experience would inspire more young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The engagement formed part of GSSTI’s efforts to promote science education, strengthen international partnerships and inspire the next generation of Ghanaian scientists and innovators to contribute to the country’s growing space programme.

By: CPRC/CCD

The Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has organized the 2026 Malaria Awareness Campaign (MAC 26) at Taifa Community Cluster of Schools, Ga East Municipality, Accra.

The campaign, coordinated by Dr. Enoch Selorm Kofi Ofori, Manager of the Radiation Entomology and Pest Management Centre of BNARI-GAEC, aimed to educate the public on malaria prevention, control, screening, and treatment. It brought together students, health professionals, researchers, community members, and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for combating malaria and promoting healthier communities.

The event, organized in partnership with key stakeholders, forms part of BNARI-GAEC’s commitment to giving back to society and supporting national efforts to reduce the incidence of malaria through public education and community engagement.

Addressing participants, the Director of BNARI, Prof. Michael Osae, warned that changing mosquito behaviour is creating new challenges for malaria control efforts.

He noted that mosquitoes are increasingly biting both indoors and outdoors, making it necessary to complement traditional interventions such as insecticide-treated bed nets with additional protective measures.

“For many years, our primary focus has been indoor mosquito biting. Today, we are seeing mosquitoes adapt by biting outdoors and at unusual times of the day, reducing the effectiveness of interventions designed solely for indoor protection while people are in bed,” he said.

Despite these challenges, Prof. Osae emphasized that sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets remains one of the most effective malaria prevention strategies. He stated that bed nets continue to save lives and must remain a central pillar of malaria prevention and every household should ensure that vulnerable groups, especially children and pregnant women, consistently sleep under treated nets.

Drawing attention to the evolving nature of the malaria challenge, Prof. Osae described mosquito adaptation as part of an ongoing coevolutionary struggle between humans and disease vectors.

“What we are witnessing is a coevolutionary arms race. As humans develop new methods to control mosquitoes, mosquito populations adapt their behavior to survive. Our response must therefore be continuous innovation and vigilance,” he said.

He further highlighted the growing challenge of residual malaria transmission, which persists even in communities with high coverage of established interventions.

Prof. Osae therefore called for increased adoption of mosquito repellents as an additional layer of protection against outdoor-biting mosquitoes. Noting that personal repellents could provide critical protection for people who spend time outdoors during peak mosquito biting hours. He added that innovations such as the Med Share Mosquito Repellant, which has been tested by GAEC, demonstrate the important role local research and industry can play in malaria prevention.
Addressing environmental control measures, he stressed the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding grounds before mosquitoes mature into adult vectors by paying greater attention to larval source management through clearing stagnant water, improving sanitation and targeted treatment of breeding sites.

Prof. Osae also underscored the need for stronger social and behavioral change interventions, particularly in settings where people gather during the evenings.

“Malaria control is not only about science and technology but also about human behaviour. Open-door churches, pubs, night food vending centres and other social gathering places should be encouraged to adopt measures that reduce exposure to mosquito bites”, he added.

Prof. Osae further urged stakeholders to strengthen collaboration among researchers, policymakers, healthcare workers and communities to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination.

Also speaking at the programme, the Municipal Director of Education for Ga East, Mr. Eric Sey, commended BNARI-GAEC for organising the awareness campaign and described it as a timely intervention in the fight against malaria. According to him, programmes of this nature play a critical role in educating school children and communities on preventive health practices and contribute significantly to improving public health outcomes.

“Malaria remains one of the leading causes of illness among school-age children, affecting attendance, academic performance and the general well-being of our learners. Educational institutions therefore have an important role to play in promoting awareness and prevention,” he stated.

Mr. Sey appealed to the Ministry of Education to strengthen its support for school-based health awareness programmes, noting that such interventions play a critical role in educating learners on disease prevention.

He further cautioned against the dangers of malaria and urged community members to seek prompt medical attention whenever symptoms are detected, adding that malaria is a serious disease that can lead to severe illness and even death if left untreated.

“We must discourage self-medication and encourage individuals to seek early diagnosis and treatment at recognised health facilities. Early treatment saves lives and helps prevent complications,” he advised.

Mr. Sey also encouraged students to serve as ambassadors of malaria prevention by sharing information acquired during the programme with their families and communities.

The Head of the Vector Control Unit of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Madam Otubea Owusu Akrofi, in a statement also stressed that malaria prevention is both an individual and collective responsibility.

She noted that while government and health institutions continue to implement interventions to reduce malaria transmission, communities and individuals must also play their part by adopting preventive measures and maintaining clean environments.

Madam Owusu Akrofi emphasized that one of the most effective ways of preventing malaria is the elimination of mosquito breeding sites, many of which are found around homes and public spaces and called on community members to work collectively to maintain clean neighbourhoods, explaining that “the actions of one household can affect the health and safety of an entire community”.

“A clean environment benefits everyone. When communities come together to eliminate breeding sites, they significantly reduce mosquito populations and lower the risk of malaria transmission. Malaria prevention therefore requires a shared commitment from all of us,” she added.

Madam Owusu Akrofi also encouraged participants to consistently adopt preventive measures such as sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets, using repellents where necessary and seeking prompt treatment whenever symptoms of malaria occur.

Present at the programme were the Headteacher of Taifa Community 1 Basic School, Mr. Godfred Tenkorang; the Headmistress of Taifa Community 2 Basic School, Madam Dorcas Tetteh; and the Headteacher of Taifa Community 3 Basic School, Mr. Morris Quaye.

Also in attendance were the medical team from Taifa Polyclinic; the Deputy Director of BNARI, Prof. Samuel Amiteye; Dr. Dinah Marri, Research Scientist at GAEC; Dr. Ekene Nwaefuna, Research Scientist at GAEC; Dr. Irene Opoku Ntim, Research Scientist at GAEC; Dr. Mark Kwasi Sarfo, Head of Communications and Public Relations at GAEC; Mr. Bright Courage Agbodza, Auditor at BNARI; Mr. Theodore Odame Saforo, Acting Administrator of BNARI; and Mrs. Doris Esi Bigombi, Accountant at BNARI, as well as several other distinguished officials.

By: CPRC/CCD