Experts from Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) and other leading State water institutions have raised concerns that poor infrastructure, pollution, weak governance and climate-related pressures are threatening the country’s long-term water security.

The concerns were raised at a national stakeholder meeting hosted by GAEC under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) RAF 7024 Project, titled; “Accelerating the Use of Isotope Hydrology in Water Resources Management in Africa.”

The meeting brought together researchers, academics, regulators and water-sector practitioners to discuss the growing pressures on Ghana’s water resources, including failing rural water systems, groundwater contamination, illegal mining, climate variability and weak monitoring systems.

Presentations delivered by Dr. Joseph Ayer, Chief Hydrogeologist of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA); Prof. Samuel Y. Ganyaglo, Director of the National Nuclear Research Institute (NNRI), Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, and Project Counterpart; Engr. Dr. Collins Okrah, Senior Research Scientist at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Water Research Institute (CSIR-WRI); and Dr. Jesse P. Kazapoe, Head of the White Volta Basin at the Water Resources Commission (WRC), collectively highlighted the urgent need for reforms to safeguard Ghana’s water future.

Speaking on “Rural Water Supply in Ghana,” Dr. Joseph Ayer highlighted significant progress in rural water access over the past three decades.

“Rural water coverage increased from 27% in 1990 to 60% by 2025, supported by the construction of over 39,000 boreholes, 1,500 mechanised water systems, and more than 500 small-town piped water systems”, he revealed.

Despite these achievements, he warned that the sustainability of rural water services is at risk due to limitations of the Community Ownership and Management (COM) model.

“Many communities lack the technical, financial, and managerial capacity to maintain increasingly complex water systems, leading to breakdowns, poor maintenance, financial challenges, and inadequate revenue generation”, he said.

He added that out of the 355 water systems currently managed by community-based water and sanitation (WATSAN) teams, only 259 are functional, while 96 have failed because of issues such as pump breakdowns, abandoned boreholes, electricity disconnections, damaged infrastructure, leaking storage tanks, and water quality concerns. Dr. Ayer estimated that GHC 976 million (US$81.3 million) is needed to rehabilitate these systems and restore safe water access in affected communities across 59 districts.

In another presentation, the project counterpart, Prof. Samuel Y. Ganyaglo, presented findings from an isotope hydrology-based groundwater research conducted under an International Atomic Energy Agency-supported project, where particular attention was drawn to emerging groundwater quality challenges in northern Ghana.

The research focused on the Upper Volta and Oti basins, where isotope and hydrogeochemical techniques have been deployed to understand groundwater recharge processes, contamination sources and climate-related vulnerabilities.

Prof. Ganyaglo reported that elevated nitrate levels have been detected in parts of the crystalline basement aquifers of the Upper Volta Basin, while excessive fluoride concentrations in some areas have led to the closure of wells.

“One of the most significant findings of the research is that agricultural manure is the dominant source of nitrate contamination in many groundwater systems. The studies also revealed that some aquifers contain water recharged under ancient climatic conditions, requiring careful regulation of abstraction to prevent groundwater mining” he revealed.

He called for stricter regulation of manure application on farmlands to prevent further degradation of water quality and further noted that groundwater contributes significantly to river flows during dry periods, sustaining surface water availability for irrigation and food production.

Prof Ganyagloh stressed the importance of isotope hydrology in providing critical scientific evidence that can support national water-resources planning and enhance sustainable management of both groundwater and surface-water systems.

“Significant gaps remain in understanding groundwater-surface water interactions and the full impact of illegal mining on groundwater resources. To close these gaps, we propose long-term monitoring of rainfall, surface water and groundwater using isotope hydrology techniques across key areas of the Volta Basin”, he suggested.

Providing a broader national perspective, Engr. Dr. Collins Okrah of CSIR-WRI warned that although Ghana is not yet experiencing a nationwide groundwater crisis, the country’s freshwater security is becoming increasingly vulnerable.

In his presentation on the status of Ghana’s groundwater resources, he observed that groundwater remains a strategic resource for rural water supply, agriculture, industry and ecosystem sustainability.

“Groundwater accounts for approximately 96 percent of the world’s available freshwater resources and serves as a critical buffer during periods of drought and seasonal water shortages”, he said.

Dr. Okrah identified a range of threats facing Ghana’s aquifers, including uncontrolled groundwater abstraction, drought, declining recharge rates, salinity intrusion, urbanisation and inadequate monitoring.

He highlighted illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, as a major driver of water pollution, environmental degradation and aquifer disturbance, warning that its impacts extend beyond rivers to groundwater systems.

Citing recent water resource assessments, Dr. Okrah stated that Ghana’s water stress level has declined from about 1,900 cubic metres per person in 2016 to approximately 1,500 cubic metres per person in 2025, reflecting growing pressure on the country’s freshwater resources.

“Continued pollution and mismanagement could lead to rising treatment costs, intensify competition among domestic, agricultural and industrial users, and potentially force the country to invest in costly alternatives such as desalination and long-distance water transfers” he added.

Another major concern raised by Dr. Okrah was the absence of a comprehensive national groundwater monitoring system. Adding, “We cannot manage what we cannot measure.”

He argued that Ghana urgently needs a permanent national observation network to track groundwater levels, recharge dynamics, abstraction rates and water quality trends across major aquifers and river basins. He further proposed the establishment of a Ghana National Groundwater Observation Network and called for groundwater to be officially recognised as a strategic national freshwater-security resource.

The policy dimension of water resources management in Ghana was outlined by Dr. Jesse P. Kazapoe of the Water Resources Commission and stressed that water security is fundamentally linked to governance, regulation and effective implementation of policy.

He noted that water supports domestic supply, agriculture, industry, energy production, ecosystems and public health, making its sustainable management a prerequisite for national development.

“Ghana’s policy focus must shift from merely providing more water to ensuring that water resources are secure, sustainable and equitably governed”, he noted.

Dr. Kazapoe identified several emerging pressures on Ghana’s water resources, including illegal mining, wastewater discharge, catchment degradation, droughts, floods, land-use changes, infrastructure deficits and growing competition among water users. He therefore underscored the importance of groundwater, particularly in the White Volta Basin, where groundwater constitutes more than 80 percent of safe water supplies in some communities.

He further cited studies within the Volta Basin showing severe contamination in upstream and midstream tributaries, where illegal mining and sand-winning activities have contributed to elevated turbidity and the presence of contaminants such as cadmium, lead, chromium and cyanide.

“These findings reinforce the need for stronger enforcement of environmental regulations, integrated water-resources management and sustained investments in watershed protection and monitoring systems”, he said.

The consensus emerging from the presentations is that Ghana still has an opportunity to avert a future water crisis. However, doing so will require decisive investments in infrastructure rehabilitation, groundwater protection, scientific monitoring, pollution control, stronger enforcement of regulations and institutional reform.

By: CPRC/CCD

The Minister for Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings inspected ongoing construction works at the Foundry and Machine Tooling Center located at Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC).

The visit forms part of government’s efforts to monitor the progress of strategic science and technology infrastructure projects aimed at boosting local manufacturing, engineering innovation, and industrial capacity.

During the visit, the Minister received updates from project engineers, contractors and officials of GAEC on the progress of work, project timelines, and the expected impact of the facility upon completion.

Addressing stakeholders at the site, the Minister expressed concern about the pace of work and called on the contractors to deploy additional resources and manpower to expedite construction.

She emphasized that any delays could affect the project’s strategic role in supporting Ghana’s industrialization and technological advancement efforts.

“This facility represents a significant investment in science, technology, and innovation. Once completed, it will enhance local manufacturing capabilities, create employment opportunities, and provide a platform for research and technical training,” she stated.

The Center is expected to play a critical role in supporting research, technical skills development, and the production of machine tools and industrial components, thereby contributing to Ghana’s industrial development and technological advancement. The facility is also expected to serve as a hub for manufacturing, engineering innovation, and industrial research to foster collaboration between industry, academia, and research institutions.

The Minister was accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), including the Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (PPME), Mr. Mawuli Segbefia

Present to receive the Minister and her entourage were the Director of the Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI), Prof. Michael Osae; the Director of Administration, Mr. William Srekumah; and the Director of the Commercialization and Communication Directorate, Nana Boateng. Also present were the Deputy Director of Administration, Mr. Emmanuel Kusi Addo; the Head of Communication and Public Relations, Dr. Mark Sarfo; the Head of Security, Captain Kwaku Osei-Akoto; The Head of the GAEC Mechanical Workshop, Dr. Andrew Nyamful and other officials of the Commission.

By: CPRC/GAEC

The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has tested the readiness of its security personnel to respond to potential security breaches at its nuclear installations as part of efforts to strengthen the Commission’s nuclear security architecture.

The two-day exercise, dubbed the Alarm Response Limited Scope Performance Test (AR-LSPT 2026), is designed to assess the effectiveness of existing response arrangements, identify gaps and strengthen the Commission’s capacity to respond to security incidents.

The exercise, which began yesterday at the GAEC reactor site, brought together security personnel and other staff with designated roles in the Commission’s security and emergency response arrangements for briefings, table discussions and field exercises based on simulated security scenarios.

The first day focused on an overview of the exercise, its objectives and participants’ roles and responsibilities, followed by discussions and practical exercises based on two simulated scenarios at designated staging areas.

The second day is expected to focus on evaluation, with personnel from the Office of Radiological Safety (ORS) of the United States Department of Energy (USDOE) serving as evaluators and providing feedback on the performance of the personnel, response arrangements and supporting systems.

Speaking on the exercise, the Director of the Radiation Protection Institute of GAEC, Dr. Eric Glover, said it formed part of broader support to strengthen the Commission’s security architecture through improvements in access control, closed-circuit television systems, alarm systems and radio communication equipment, among other measures.

He explained that the exercise provided an opportunity to assess not only personnel readiness but also the effectiveness of the equipment, logistics and coordination among personnel performing different roles during a security incident.

According to him, the exercise was the first of its kind to be conducted at the Commission and would help identify areas requiring improvement while ensuring that established procedures remained effective.

He said the exercise would also contribute to strengthening security procedures, addressing gaps, building a strong security culture and improving the Commission’s preparedness to manage potential crises and other eventualities.

The Head of GAEC Security, Capt. (Rtd.) Kwaku Osei-Akoto Jnr., said the exercise was intended to test the ability of security personnel to respond effectively to future eventualities.

Briefing participants at the start of the exercise, he outlined key objectives, including assessing response performance from the receipt of an alarm through to the appropriate containment and resolution of a simulated incident, evaluating alarm-handling and communication arrangements, testing the effectiveness of response procedures and equipment, and identifying gaps requiring remedial action.

He explained that the exercise involved personnel assigned to alarm monitoring and communication, on-site security and facility management, with each group expected to perform its designated responsibilities in accordance with established procedures.

The exercise is expected to provide GAEC with an independent assessment of its security preparedness and help strengthen coordination, procedures and response capabilities.

The initiative forms part of the Commission’s continuing efforts to maintain a robust nuclear security culture and ensure that its nuclear and radiological facilities are operated within a strong framework of safety, security and emergency preparedness.

By: CPRC/CCD

The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) on Tuesday launched the 2026 Cancer Awareness and Screening Campaign with a call on Ghanaians to prioritise regular cancer screening for early detection.

The campaign is being organised by the Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute (RAMSRI) of GAEC, in collaboration with the GAEC Hospital.

Held in Accra on the theme, “Your Health Matters: Get Screened,” the campaign seeks to promote public education on cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis and effective treatment, with particular emphasis on breast and prostate cancers.

The initiative will also provide free screening services and extend cancer awareness activities to communities across the country to encourage early detection and timely medical intervention.

Speaking at the launch, the Chairperson of the GAEC Governing Board, Professor Abdulai Baba Salifu, identified stigma, fear, financial constraints and inadequate awareness as some of the major barriers preventing people from accessing cancer screening and treatment.

 

He noted that the campaign provided an opportunity to break those barriers and encourage Ghanaians to take early action in managing their health.

Professor Salifu emphasised that undergoing screening did not mean that a person had cancer, but rather provided an opportunity to know their health status and seek appropriate medical attention when necessary.

“Screening does not mean you have cancer. It gives you the opportunity to know your health status and seek appropriate medical attention when necessary,” he said.

He therefore called on the media, traditional authorities and community leaders to help take the screening message beyond hospitals and medical facilities into communities.

“The media, traditional authorities and community leaders must help us to take the screening message beyond hospitals and medical facilities and into our communities,” he said.

The Board Chairperson assured RAMSRI, the GAEC Hospital and other partners of the Governing Board’s continued support for efforts to promote a shift from fear to knowledge, silence to conversation and late detection to early action.

Supporting the call, the Director-General of GAEC, Professor Samuel Boakye Dampare, stressed the importance of early screening and detection in improving cancer treatment outcomes.

He observed that many people neglected routine medical check-ups and cancer screening until symptoms became severe, by which time valuable opportunities for effective treatment could have been lost.

Professor Dampare urged the public to pay greater attention to prevention, early detection and timely treatment, noting that the cancer burden should not be viewed merely in terms of statistics.

“Behind every figure is a person, a family and a community,” he said.

The Director-General further underscored the need for a coordinated national response to cancer, stressing that the fight against the disease could not be left to the health sector alone.

He called for stronger collaboration among individuals, families, institutions, researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, communities and development partners to intensify cancer prevention, awareness and early detection.

“The fight against cancer cannot be left to the health sector alone,” he said.

The call for greater awareness comes against the backdrop of a significant cancer burden in Ghana and globally.

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s GLOBOCAN 2024 estimates, Ghana recorded an estimated 27,260 new cancer cases and 17,662 cancer-related deaths.

Breast cancer was the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the country, with an estimated 5,487 cases, followed by cervical cancer with 3,740 cases, liver cancer with 2,975 cases, prostate cancer with 2,817 cases, and ovarian cancer with 1,268 cases.

Globally, GLOBOCAN 2024 estimates 20.6 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million cancer-related deaths.

Against this background, the Director of RAMSRI, Dr Theodosia Adom, said the 2026 campaign would build on the gains made during the previous year’s programme.

She explained that the 2025 campaign reached five corporate organisations, four health facilities, five community markets, three churches and a secondary school.

More than 2,500 people were screened during the campaign, while more than 300 people participated in a health walk.

The campaign also distributed about 3,000 educational flyers and used television, radio and social media platforms to disseminate information on cancer prevention and screening.

Dr Adom indicated that risk data collected from 2,232 women during the 2025 campaign further demonstrated the need to intensify cancer awareness and screening.

“Those figures tell us that there is still a lot more that needs to be done in terms of awareness and screening,” she said.

Building on those efforts, she disclosed that the 2026 campaign would include free screening for cervical and prostate cancers, alongside other health checks.

“The 2026 campaign is taking screening and cancer awareness directly to the communities,” she said.

The programme will involve health facilities including the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, the University of Ghana Medical Centre and the GAEC Hospital, as well as other partner institutions.

To take the campaign beyond health facilities, community engagements have been planned for the Kwabenya and Taifa markets, Dambai and Jasikan in the Oti Region, Shama in the Western Region and Upper Manya Krobo in the Eastern Region.

A health walk is scheduled for October 9, followed by further engagements with the media, corporate organisations and religious bodies in November.

Dr Adom said the campaign would also address fear, stigma and misconceptions surrounding cancer while encouraging people to recognise warning signs and seek medical attention promptly.

A solidarity message was delivered on behalf of the Ministry of Health, while the Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Madam Faustina Elikplim Akurugu, pledged her support and expressed readiness to facilitate stronger partnerships with GAEC.

The 2026 Cancer Awareness and Screening Campaign, the fourth since 2023, is expected to strengthen public understanding of cancer prevention and early detection, bring screening services closer to communities, and encourage Ghanaians to make regular screening part of their healthcare routine.

By: CPRC/CCD

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Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) Scientists highlighted their contributions to artificial intelligence (AI) research and development at a recent Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development (AI4SD) Conference in France.

The FEF-AI4SD (Fonds Expertise France for Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development) Conference, organized by Universite Paris Saclay, was aimed at strengthening Franco-Ghanaian partnerships, leveraging artificial intelligence to drive sustainable development, foster knowledge exchange, and build local research capacity in Africa.

The event provided an opportunity to showcase the diverse ways Scientists from GAEC are applying AI to improve lives and support national development.

The GAEC contingent presented various research works aimed at addressing real-world challenges in agriculture, health, climate resilience, medical imaging, and space science.

On the second day of the event, the Manager of the Remote Sensing and Climate Change Center of the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI), Dr. Kofi Asare, delivered two presentations. His first presentation titled “From Pixels to Productivity: AI-Driven Crop Classification and Yield Prediction Using Earth Observation Data in Ghana”, focused on using satellite and Earth observation data to improve crop classification and predict yield for maize at the end of the season. The research demonstrated how AI can help farmers, agricultural planners, and policymakers make better decisions to boost productivity and strengthen food security.

Dr. Asare’s second presentation titled “AI-Driven Climate–Health Modelling for Malaria and Diarrhoea Disease Burden under Future Climate Scenarios in Ghana”, explored the intersection of climate change, public health data and AI tools to project disease burden by midcentury. The study examined how changing climatic conditions could influence the future burden of malaria and Diarrhoea in Ghana. The work underscores the potential of artificial intelligence to support early warning systems and inform public health interventions in a changing climate.

Another important presentation was delivered on the third day by the Manager of the Applied Radiation Biology Centre of the Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute (RAMSRI), Dr. Shadrack Donkor, on healthcare novelty, titled “Wound Healing Potential of Moringa oleifera Extracts in Normal Tissue Following Preoperative Radiotherapy: An AI-Assisted Phytochemical Compound Prediction Approach”, where he showed the wound-healing properties of Moringa oleifera extracts following preoperative radiotherapy. The study demonstrated how artificial intelligence can accelerate biomedical research and support the search for effective therapeutic solutions by incorporating AI-assisted Phytochemical Compound predictions.

Additionally, the Deputy Director of the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI), Dr. Theophilus Ansah-Narh, whose presentation introduced a novel AI approach known as GLIMPSA: Global-Local Inference Method for Patch-based Spatial Anomalies in Medical Imaging, used for detecting spatial anomalies in medical images, demonstrated that the technology has the potential to enhance medical diagnosis and improve the accuracy of image-based healthcare assessments.

On the last day of the conference, the Deputy Director General of Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Prof. Francis Hasford, highlighted the importance of partnerships and strategic investments in AI development. His presentation was titled “Building Institutional AI Capacity at GAEC Through Strategic France–Ghana Collaborative Partnerships”. He presented on efforts being made to strengthen GAEC’s institutional AI capacity through collaborative partnerships especially those between Ghana and France and emphasized the value of international cooperation in developing the skills, infrastructure, and research networks needed to advance AI innovation.

In another presentation, titled “Integrating Nuclear Science and Artificial Intelligence for Precision Health and National Development in Ghana: The Role of RAMSRI”, the Director of the Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute (RAMSRI), Dr. Theodosia Adom, explored how artificial intelligence can complement nuclear science to deliver more precise healthcare solutions and contribute to national development goals through their work at RAMSRI and the associated opportunities created by these advanced technologies.

The last presentation by GAEC was given by the Director of the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute, Dr. Joseph Bremang Tandoh, titled “From Satellites to Solutions: How AI is Transforming Space Science, Technology and Sustainable Development”, he demonstrated how satellite data combined with AI can support environmental monitoring, disaster management, resource planning, and broader sustainable development efforts.

The conference brought together researchers, policymakers, and technology experts from around the world to explore how AI can be harnessed to support sustainable development.

Ghana was represented by scientists from the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), University of Cape Coast, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

By: CPRC/CCD

 

 

 

The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) on Tuesday broke ground on a 48-unit residential apartment complex for its staff, the first significant expansion of staff housing since the Commission’s predecessor, the Ghana Nuclear Reactor Project (GNRP), built its original residential facilities in the early 1960s.

The sod-cutting ceremony, held at the project site behind the GAEC Junior Staff Quarters, was attended by government officials, GAEC management, project partners, and contractors. Prof. Abdulai Baba Salifu, Director-General, GAEC Prof. Samuel B. Dampare, Director General, MEST, Suweibatu Adams, representing the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST) and Director of Special Operations at the National Security Secretariat, Richard Jakpa, jointly performed the ceremonial cut.

Speaking at the event, GAEC Director General Prof. Samuel B. Dampare drew a direct line between the housing project and the Commission’s broader scientific ambitions which now span nuclear energy, space science, advanced medical applications, and environmental monitoring.

“As the Commission positions itself for the future through investments in nuclear energy, space science, advanced medical applications, and industrial technology systems, it becomes increasingly important to attract, motivate, house, and retain the highly specialized scientific and technical expertise required to sustain these national responsibilities,” Prof. Dampare said.

He also placed the project in historical context, noting that the original facilities were built on a philosophy that still holds today.

“Those facilities were built with foresight and purpose, based on the understanding that scientific excellence requires not only laboratories and equipment, but also stable communities, motivated personnel, and an enabling environment for research and innovation,” he said.

The project is being delivered through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between GAEC and Muhassin Company Limited. It falls under the broader GAEC Residential Apartments and Related Facilities initiative, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST).

Officials say the development is expected to improve living conditions for staff, address longstanding accommodation challenges, and support retention of technical personnel a persistent challenge for science institutions competing with the private sector.

Source: myjoyonline.com

The Acting Director-General of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), Prof. Francis Hasford, has emphasised the need to invest in human capital and infrastructure development to boost cancer treatment in the country.

“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 said.

Prof. Hasford made the call when GAEC, through its Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute (RAMSRI), hosted a high-level international training workshop under the SupraAfrican Physics Partnership for Health Innovation and Radiotherapy Expansion (SAPPHIRE) Project to boost cancer treatment.

The workshop, held in Accra, aimed at strengthening radiotherapy capacity across Africa through advanced technical training, knowledge exchange and international collaboration.

It brought together over 40 experts from Africa, Europe and Northern America.

SAPPHIRE Project

The SAPPHIRE Project is a two-year initiative funded by the United Kingdom’s Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) under UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and led by Professor Manjit Dosanjh of the University of Oxford.

It addressed major challenges in cancer care delivery in Africa, including shortages of skilled medical physicists and engineers, limited access to advanced radiotherapy technologies and the recurrent breakdown of medical linear accelerator (LINAC) systems critical for cancer treatment.

Workforce

The workshop served as a platform for building human resource capacity and enhancing technical expertise in radiotherapy.

Participants included medical physicists, clinicians, engineers and researchers from Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.

Framework

Prof. Hasford highlighted the importance of international collaborations, noting that SAPPHIRE created a framework for technology transfer, research cooperation and shared learning between African institutions and global leaders in accelerator science and medical physics.

He said the initiative aligned with Ghana’s national cancer control strategy and broader continental goals to ensure equitable access to life-saving radiotherapy services.

Timely response

In her address, the Director of RAMSRI, Dr Theodosia Adom, described the SAPPHIRE Project as a timely and strategic response to the growing burden of cancer in Africa.

She highlighted GAEC’s longstanding contribution to healthcare, through nuclear science applications, including medical physics research, radiation protection, radiobiology, nuclear medicine, and professional training.

“By strengthening technical capacity in accelerator science and improving the operational performance and sustainability of medical linear accelerator systems, the SAPPHIRE Project directly addresses some of the most critical barriers to effective cancer treatment delivery,” she said.

Clinical training

The workshop featured an intensive programme, combining lectures, practical sessions and field-based learning.

The training areas included clinical radiotherapy principles and patient-centred treatment planning; LINAC design, operation, and maintenance; accelerator physics and radio-frequency systems; radiotherapy dosimetry and quality assurance; radiation safety and regulatory compliance; and imaging and image-guided radiotherapy techniques.

Participants also engaged in hands-on engineering and simulation-based training, using specialised software (SIMAC), with continued access provided beyond the workshop.

These sessions enhanced understanding of accelerator sub-systems and their impact on treatment accuracy, safety, and reliability.

Bridging theory and practice

As part of the practical component, participants undertook technical visits to the GAEC and the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

The visits provided direct exposure to operational LINAC and cobalt 60 systems and facilitated discussions on equipment maintenance, patient workload pressures, and staffing constraints.

Participants also interacted with local experts to identify practical solutions suitable for resource constrained settings.

Collaboration

The workshop drew expertise from institutions, including the University of Oxford, Lancaster University, the University of Cambridge, the International Cancer Expert Corps and major African teaching hospitals.

Projections

The leader of the SAPPHIRE Project, Prof. Manjit Dosanjh, said projections indicated global cancer cases could reach 27.5 million annually by 2040, with nearly 70 per cent occurring in low and middle income countries.

She also outlined the complementary Smart Technologies to Extend Lives with Linear Accelerators (STELLA) initiative, which focused on developing affordable and robust radiotherapy systems for resource limited environments.

The workshop called for sustained investment and collaboration, with key recommendations such as expanding accelerator engineering training programmes across Africa, strengthening regional collaboration in LINAC maintenance and data sharing, implementing standardised quality assurance systems, developing predictive maintenance strategies, sustaining partnerships between research institutions and clinical centres.

Participants also advocated follow-up workshops and expanded implementation of the SAPPHIRE initiative to ensure long-term impact.

Leadership in cancer care

The successful hosting of the SAPPHIRE training workshop reinforced Ghana’s position as a regional hub for medical physics training and radiotherapy innovation.

It also underscored GAEC’s leadership in advancing nuclear science and technology for improved access to safe, reliable and effective cancer treatment services across Africa.

Source: graphic.com.gh

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.

Providing an overview of the training programme, the Deputy Director of the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI), Dr. Theophilus AnsahNarh, introduced participants to the basic concepts of artificial intelligence and robotics. He explained that the training would emphasize handson learning through the use of microcontrollers, sensors, simulations, and practical demonstrations.

According to Dr. AnsahNarh, students will engage in simulations such as traffic light systems, robotic movement, and virtual drone construction, gradually building a strong conceptual foundation that could lead to programming skills in subsequent phases of the training programme.

“From now until December, we will roll out a series of activities to build your interest and capacity step by step,” he noted.

The Chairman of the GAEC Basic School ParentTeacher Association (PTA), Mr. Nana Ato Hope, also addressed the students, highlighting the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and its increasing application across sectors including healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, finance, and education.

He observed that technological advancement is steadily reducing reliance on manual labour and reshaping the global workforce and noted that training in AI and robotics is often costly and urged the students to remain committed and focused.

“Opportunities like this are rare and not accessible to everyone. Make sure you make the most of it,” he advised.

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