The Director General of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) Prof. Benjamin Nyarko has challenged scientists to be truthful to consumers on the actual source of solar energy.
He made the call at the Grand Durbar of the Africa Renaissance Day Celebration held in Accra.
This day was set aside by the Organization of African Unity (OAU) now African Union (AU) to remind African governments and people about the critical roles played by Science and Technology in national development.
The Director General disclosed that Solar Energy that is classified under renewable energy was as a result of nuclear reaction from the sun.
Prof. Nyarko who expressed disappointment at the low turnout of scientists as against non-scientists stressed that the inability of nuclear scientists to share their stories has resulted in the negative image created for nuclear technology.
According to him, ‘the challenge confronted by most scientists is either they are too busy with what they are doing or they are doing nothing and cannot do anything.’
He acknowledged that the first energy experienced in the world is the sun energy, which produces a nuclear reaction called nuclear fusion. ‘The hydrogen atom in the sun comes together to form helium and the vast heat energy and light and that is what the renewables are tapping and they call it renewable energy’ he explained. He stressed that the actual source of the renewable energy is from nuclear reaction.
To his disappointment, the real scientific process has been kept away from public domain hence creating a notion that solar energy is better compared to nuclear energy.
He charged all Nuclear and Space scientists to move out of their shells and spread the good news about nuclear technology. He added that, in the absence of this, technologies such as Nuclear, Biotechnology, Mutation breeding among others will continue to suffer condemnation.
The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has joined other African states to commemorate the 2017 edition of the Africa Scientific Renaissance Day celebration.
Under the theme ‘Promoting Science Technology and Innovations (STI) for Sustainable National Development’, the week-long ceremony held in Accra was hosted by GAEC with support from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and Rite FM.
Various activities including an open day Quiz Competition for Second Cycle Institutions, Seminar Presentations, a trip to Kuntunse National Radio Astronomy Observatory, a grand Durbar and an Exhibition marked the occasion.
The Organization of Africa Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU) in 1987 passed a resolution for the annual celebration of Africa Scientific Renaissance on 30th June.
The core objective of the celebration is to remind African governments and people about the critical roles played by Science and Technology in national development.
This is also done in remembrance of the continent’s great contribution to the rise and development of modern Science and Technology.
Speaking at the grand durbar, the Director General of CSIR who doubles as chairman for the occasion Dr. Victor Agyeman lamented that expenditure on some key drivers of the country’s economy such as Science and Mathematics stands at 5.4 percent as against 40 percent expenditure on medical sciences.
He advised that Ghana must reconsider the amount pumped into Science and also reconsider the areas in order to make impact in economic development.
The Director General of GAEC, Prof. Benjamin Nyarko, in a keynote address read on behalf of the Minister of Environment Science Technology and Innovation (MESTI) advised that Science and Mathematics be taken serious in order to meet the demands of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s).
He disclosed that the Ministry intends to strengthen collaborations among industries, Universities and Research Centers to promote the commercialization of scientific research output.
He called on all research institutions including GAEC and the CSIR to foster close collaboration at institutional level in order to maximize research output.
The GAEC choir graced the occasion with sweet melodies coupled with a colourful cultural display and brass band music from the GAEC Basic School pupils.
The ceremony was climaxed with an exhibition of products from GAEC and CSIR.
The Director of Administration at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) Mr. Felix Adiku has described Nuclear Power as a necessity for accelerated growth and sustainable energy in Ghana.
The DOA made this submission at the open day ceremony of the Africa Scientific Renaissance Day Celebrations held in Accra.
The Africa Scientific Renaissance Day is a day set-aside by the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) now the African Union (AU), to remind African governments and people about the critical roles played by Science and Technology in national development.
According to Mr. Adiku, as GAEC has the sole mandate of advising government on matters relating to nuclear energy as well as science and technology the commission will not relent in its efforts to ensure accelerated growth and sustainable energy.
He said, among several achievements, GAEC has successfully operated a Research Reactor for almost twenty years with clean records. He added that, this achievement together with advances in modern nuclear safety technologies, places the commission at a position to operate a power reactor successfully.
He acknowledged that the establishment of the graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences (SNAS) and collaborations with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other strategic international agencies have helped train the requisite manpower needed to successfully operate, maintain and decommission a nuclear power plant.
He expressed joy at the establishment of the Ghana Nuclear Power Organization (GNPO), which is to ensure the implementation of the nuclear power programme together with the Ministry of Energy, Energy Commission, Volta River Authority (VRA), Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. He described the move as a demonstration of Ghana’s readiness to operate its first Nuclear Power Plant.
He called on all stakeholders and the general public to ignore negative perceptions about nuclear power but rather embrace the technology for accelerated growth and sustainable energy.
A team of Nuclear Scientists from Kenya to Ghana have loaded Ghana’s political will to support the Nuclear Power Programme as part of efforts to ensure access to affordable, sustainable and modern energy.
The 9 member delegation that paid a scientific visit to the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) represented various Kenyan institutions including Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board (KNEB), Kenyatta University (KU), Kenya bureau Board (KeBS), Kenya Industrial Research Development Institute (KIRDS) and the National Commission for Science Technology and Innovations (NACOTI).
The visit was under the RAF: 0047 initiative by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) which is aimed at “Promoting sustainability and networking of National Nuclear Institutes for development.”
In a report presented to the Commission after a week of training, the team of scientists commended GAEC for developing a good roadmap for Ghana’s Nuclear Power Programme. They expressed joy at the political will and Government’s support towards ensuring access to affordable, sustainable and modern energy as per goal 7 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
It further commended GAEC for employing young and vibrant scientists to manage the Nuclear Power Institute (NPI).
The report acknowledged that, GAEC’s Sustainable Action Plan (SAP) addresses all field of nuclear science under the Commission unlike Kenya where management of different areas of application of Nuclear Science and Technology is not linked directly to NACOSTI.
The establishment of the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) as an independent supervisory body was also captured in the report. It stressed that, this has helped in the development of an Action Plan based on the Nuclear Regulatory Act to prepare and circulate the required regulations and guidelines for nuclear applications.
“NRA has ratified several key treaties dealing with nuclear security, safety and safeguards” it stated.
The finally recommended that GAEC establishes an exchange visit with partner countries including Kenya, to learn or share experiences on nuclear application and strengthen collaboration initiatives.
It advised the commission to patent innovations and technologies generated prior to publishing and dissemination
The report also called for the need to create collaborations to maximize the use of human and infrastructural resources available at GAEC.
A 12 member delegation from Kenya has arrived in Accra to understudy the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) in its application of Nuclear Technology.
The delegates who will be hosted for a week are representing various institutions including Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board (KNEB), Kenyatta University (KU), Kenya bureau Board (KeBS), Kenya Industrial Research Development Institute (KIRDS) and the National Commission for Science Technology and Innovations (NACOTI).
The training saw participants through various modules including Strategic Action Plan, Business Plans and a comprehensive tour of the various science laboratories.
The Chief Scientist at the Kenya National Commission for Science Technology and Innovations, David Otwoma who doubles as a team leader of the delegates expressed delight at the technological advancement of GAEC.
According to him, the decision to visit GAEC was informed by its impressive advancement in Nuclear applications as acknowledged by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He added that, the information they have acquired so far exceeds their expectations and will help enrich their knowledgebase in the application of nuclear technologies back in Kenya.
The Director General of GAEC Prof. Benjamin Nyarko noted in an interview with GAEC Press that, the World including the International Atomic Energy Commission (IAEA) is preaching sustainability for National Nuclear Institutes in Africa; an IAEA project dubbed “RAF 0047”.
According to him, the IAEA RAF 0047 initiative requires that, pragmatic steps are taken to sustain the operations of National nuclear institutions in Africa.
He disclosed that, as some African IAEA member states are working towards signing their first Strategic Action Plan, the commission is currently on its fourth Strategic Action Plan.
He added that, GAEC’s quest to support all member states that knocks at its door is in line with IAEA’s initiatives to ensure sustainability with respect to Nuclear Institutions in Africa.
Prof. Nyarko described GAEC as a “one stop shop” in the West African Sub regions where member states can acquire the needed support in the application of nuclear technologies. He said, the commission has the human capacity.
Ghana Atomic Energy Commission Isotope Hydrology Lab
The Nuclear Chemistry and Environmental Research Centre (NCERC) under the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission has called for the creation of a remediation fund for the mining sector.
The call was made in the quest to find a lasting solution to issues of water contamination and environmental degradation challenges which is as a result of illegal mining activities across the mining regions.
The NCERC conducts environmental research which focuses on groundwater/surface water quality monitoring, soil and air quality monitoring, pesticide residue in food and other biological samples, as well as environmental remediation. The Centre employs nuclear techniques such as stable isotope hydrology and atomic absorption spectroscopy in its work.
The Manager in charge of NCERC Dr. Samuel Afful told GAEC Press in an interview that government need to enforce laws that governs the small scale mining sector and also ensure effective supervision of small scale mining activities that have been duly licensed.
This action according to him will help reduce the high rate of environmental degradation, gold smuggling, occupational hazard, unemployment and among others that will subsequently boost the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Giving insight on what form the “Remediation Fund” should take he proposed that, similar to the Heritage Fund, the Fund must be a constitutional provision that requires small scale gold mining firms to pay a remediation tax.
He also recommended that, all sales of gold and other minerals should be channeled through the Minerals Commission that will oversee the deduction and payment of the remediation levy on behalf of mining companies to ensure compliance. “This is the only way to escape the high cost involved in treating polluted surface and underground water as well as degraded lands.
Citing an example, Dr. Afful Stressed that, portions of the river bed of both River Pra and Ankobra at Prestia; in the western region of Ghana should be excavated in order to remove the contaminants. “The dangers are that, the rivers flow into the sea and in effect, the marine waters will eventually be contaminated by chemicals”
He is confident that, the Atomic Energy Commission has the human capacity and resources to help curb the regrettable situation if funding is made available.
He called on government to consider setting up a Mining Remediation Fund and some other viable initiatives in order to curb the menace.
Ghana’s first female Nuclear Engineer Ekua Mensima has blamed Mathematics as being a threat to the dreams of aspiring young female scientists in Ghana.
The 32 year old award winning scientist told GAEC Press in an interview that, though Mathematics is “an easy to understand” subject it not been fairly handled in schools with respect to delivery.
Ekua, who is currently with the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) at the Nuclear Safety Department, holds a Mater Degree in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Ghana Graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Science. (GSNAS)
According to her, students are given an extremely weak foundation in mathematics right from pre-school to senior high school level hence resulting in low interest in science especially among female students.
She expressed worry at the fact that, many are still being discouraged from perusing science with an erroneous perception that mathematics is difficult. This she said tends to drive more females away from becoming scientists.
Presenting her case on other challenges, she mentioned gender inequality as another thought-provoking factor.” “A situation where women are seen as custodians of the kitchen is highly demotivating. Most women are faced with inferiority complex situations and this causes them to drop science for fear of their future. “
“Being the only female students in my class, I was not given a fair treatment by one of my lecturers who thought i don’t belong to the science class and as a result, i mostly cry to express my pain. She revealed.
Ekua hinted that, perusing science in Ghana’s University is relatively expensive hence depriving most brilliant but needy female students the opportunity to further. She was thankful to her single parent mother who supported her financially and encouraged her when she almost gave up.
Madam Mensima who is currently a mother of two disclosed that, family responsibility also has a way of pushing women away from choosing science. Using her two children as point of reference, she believes that, she could have advanced beyond her current position if not for the necessary breaks. She acknowledged the support of her husband who has encouraging her to pursue her PHD.
She believes that, women in science play a one hundred and five percent (105%) role than men and must be given the needed push to realize their dreams. “Women are assets on every field and must be encouraged to pursue science. I am confident that, women in science have a bright future since the number of enrolment in graduates schools have increased. “
She appealed to the Ghana Education Service to invest more into grooming good mathematics teachers who can give students solid foundation in mathematics.
The Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Environment Science Technology and Innovation (MESTI) is set to increase scientific research fund by one percent (1%) of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
This was disclosed by the Minister of MESTI Prof. Frimpong Boateng on his second working visit to the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC).
Addressing the staff of GAEC and the media, the minister lamented at the numerous challenges confronting the commission. He described the issue of encroachment on GAEC lands, poor electricity supply and sustainable research funding as disturbing.
According to him “The government is to allocated more funds for research institutions in the country to enable them function effectively”
He expressed worry at the fact that, research institutions including GAEC, CSIR and Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research don’t receive the needed financial support to aid in their operations.
He challenged researchers to develop innovative ways of attracting local funding to expand their work, so that their findings would be owned locally for sustainable development.
He promised government’s support to help commercialize scientific findings by the commission.
On issues of encroachment on GAEC lands, Prof. Frimpong Boateng assured that, his office is liaising with the Interior Ministry and the Inspector General of Police for investigation to salvage the situation.
Prof. Frimpong Boateng on the other hand, proposed to initiate a discussion with the Ministry of Energy to ensure a viable option from the current prepaid billing for sensitive research laboratories across the country. This he said will save delicate and historical samples from irreparable damages.
Ghana’s second female Nuclear Engineer Afia Boatemaa has called for an affirmative action among female scientist in Ghana.
The 27 year old scientist who graduated with a Master’s Degree in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Ghana, Graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences (GSNAS) in 2016 is confident that, women in science can climb the ladder of success if they remain focus.
She expressed worry at the fact that, several avoidable factors have led to the fall out of most aspiring female scientists in various academic institutions across the country.
Afia Boatemaa, who is currently working with the Keshe Foundation, first pursued her undergraduate course, in Chemical Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in the year 2013
“Female Scientists must stand their grounds and rise to defend their vision” She said. According to her, her quest to encourage other female scientists in Ghana to fight for their right came from several literatures she read concerning gender against female in science.
Afia is of the view that, the tradition that requires women to remain in the kitchen must no longer be heeded to.
Brushing off the challenges, Afia Boatemaa stressed on the need to think about solutions to curb the situation rather than trumpeting on the already known problems.
She disclosed that, even though she is yet to encounter any of such situations, she is mentally psyched to face whatever obstacle that is ahead of her.
“We are not in any competition with men; we only need an accommodating, transparent and a tolerable atmosphere to realize our dreams as female scientists. Ghana has only three female Nuclear Engineers now and we need more.” she cries out.
She advised women not to give inn to any form of humiliation; deceit and frustrations that are meant to kill their dreams but should rather stay focused. She hinted that, those who are financially constrained can apply for international scholarship programmes to finance their education.
She finally made an appeal to the Government to set up a fund to support financially challenged females who desire to become scientists.
The Nuclear Chemistry and Environmental Research Centre (NCERC) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has warned that the country’s groundwater reserves risk being contaminated if pragmatic steps are not taken to regulate illegal gold mining activities across the mining regions.
This was disclosed in an interview by The Manager of NCERC Dr. Samuel Afful. According to him, the constant pollution of surface water bodies by illegal mining activities may also lead to groundwater pollution
The NCERC conducts environmental research which focuses on groundwater/surface water quality monitoring, soil and air quality monitoring, pesticide residue in food and other biological samples, as well as environmental remediation. The Centre employs nuclear techniques such as stable isotope hydrology and atomic absorption spectroscopy in its work.
Contaminated Water bodies by illegal mining
Surface water and groundwater interaction
According to Dr. Afful, Surface water and groundwater interaction is a natural process where nearly all surface-water features (rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, wetlands, and estuaries) sink deep into the soil layers to interact with groundwater.
He said, in most situations, surface-water bodies gain water and solutes from groundwater systems and in others the surface-water body is a source of groundwater recharge that leads to a change in groundwater quality.
Dr. Afful stressed that the diversion of water courses for mining activities may affect groundwater recharge. He further stated that overdependence on groundwater for household or commercial use due to diversion/pollution of surface water may lead to groundwater depletion. This results in existing wells and boreholes running dry.
Considering these facts, effective land and water management requires a clear understanding of the linkages between groundwater and surface water as it applies to any given hydrologic setting. He added.
Effects
“Undeniably, several health, social, and economic effects have been linked to gold mining activities that lack proper regulation. The common challenge known to everyone is the pollution of surface water (river bodies) and the environment.” He indicated that, there is more to it than pollution of river bodies.
This he said has affected aquatic creatures (Fishes) and hampered agricultural activities in the affected regions.
Throwing light on other areas that has severely affected humanity as a result; he mentioned some widely-known social vices such as teenage pregnancy, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD’s) and the ill-reputed school dropout syndrome as a menace that cannot be left out.
Stressing on the main point, he explained that, the groundwater is also polluted by the already contaminated “surface water” in the process of recharging.
Expressing worry at the situation, the Manager of NCERC hinted that, boreholes that become an alternative water source for mining communities are most likely to be exposed to toxic substances. The rippling effect to humanity according to him is damaging since some sachet water (pure water) producing companies mainly resort to groundwater for their water production and is subsequently sold to unsuspecting consumers across country.
Dr. Afful lamented that, the common water treatment method used by the sachet and bottled water industry in Ghana is filtration. According to him, this method does not take out the heavy metal contaminants in the water.
He called for proper scientific treatment of surface and groundwater in the mining regions and non-mining regions that resort to the use of chemicals in fishing.
Remediation
“The next generation has nothing to live on if proper water treatment method and effective remediation procedure is not used to reclaim mined areas”. He lamented
He said, GAEC has the capacity to carry out water quality monitoring and treatment.
Speaking on land reclamation prospects. Dr. AfFul is of the view that, proper remediation procedure is required to restore the fertility of the land in order to support plant growth.
Giving some recommendations on way forward, he advised that, Sunflower and Acacia plants are grown on mined concessions to help remove toxic materials from the soil. This he said will help the land to regain its fertility for agriculture purposes.
The Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Environment Science Technology and Innovation (MESTI) is set to increase scientific research fund by one percent (1%) of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
