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A pre-feasibility study on electricity generation from Ghana’s Nuclear Power Programme (NPP) is estimated to cost 5 to 8 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

The Director of Nuclear Power Institute (NPI) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Dr. Seth Kofi Debrah, announced this at the 4^th edition of the Ghana Industrial Summit and Exhibition in Accra, last Thursday, where he delivered a presentation on behalf of the Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG).

He explained that nuclear power is an economic electricity-generation source because of its low levelized cost, low operating cost, and most significantly, relatively stable fuel regime.

Dr. Debrah explained further that nuclear power holds the key to reducing the overall electricity tariff in the country and ensuring a reliable power supply, which would give Ghanaian businesses the impetus to be very competitive. “Other countries spend less than 20 percent on electricity to produce goods and services whereas Ghanaian industries spend close to 40 percent of production cost on electricity. This makes Ghanaian goods and services relatively expensive,” he lamented.

He indicated that other countries have used nuclear technology to push their industrialisation agenda and have developed. He insisted that the time has come to focus on and chart the path of nuclear power as it has a lot of potentials and a competitive edge.

“We have some energy generation potentials in the areas of solar, wind, and a number of hydro potential sites, with a single maximum site capacity of about 100MW. There are others we have to look at, and that is, nuclear. Other countries have used this nuclear technology to develop, push their industrialization agenda, while providing well paid and secured jobs,” he said.

Dr. Debrah indicated that the implementation of the Nuclear Power Programme and project would generate a lot of local content and local participation in the areas of engineering, manufacturing, civil construction and assembly services, operation and maintenance, and technical support services, among others.

He further argued that nuclear is not only reliable and affordable; it is also about the enormous opportunities it provides.

“We are not just talking about the nuclear power plant and the pricing, we are talking about opportunities it will provide to Ghanaian industries and the benefits to the citizenry,” he added.

Dr. Debrah also noted that with the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), it is important Ghanaian industries properly position themselves in order to take full advantage of the nuclear power project.

Dr. Debrah said the objective of the Nuclear Power Project is to support the overall economic and industrial transformation as a major driver and also to promote Ghana as a sub-regional energy hub.

With respect to the progress made, he also disclosed that Ghana had completed phase one of the three-phase Nuclear Power Programme and has submitted a Programme Comprehensive Report (PCR) to the seat of government.

 

 

The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) on Wednesday participated in the open-day exhibition of the 2021 Civil Service Week Celebration in Accra to showcase its scientific activities and research initiatives.

Some of the activities and initiatives exhibited include the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) to control and eradicate mosquitoes as well as fall armyworm and fruit flies that are causing damage to maize crops and mangoes, respectively.

The rest are nuclear applications in medicine, nuclear power generation, water resources management, construction, and other industrial support techniques.

The Acting Director of the Commercialization and Communication Director (CCD), Mrs. Sheila Frimpong, said participating in the exhibition was an opportunity to showcase some of the Commission’s nuclear technologies and other scientific endeavors which are addressing societal problems.

“The open day is an opportunity to tell the world, the great things our Scientists are doing to improve the lives of Ghanaians. It is also an opportunity to reach out to our key stakeholders and the general public who are looking for solution-driven research and other technologies,” she remarked.

Some of the special guests that visited the GAEC’s stand are the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), Hon. Dr. Kwaku Afriyie and the Chief Director of MESTI, Cynthia Asare Bediako.

At the stand, also, was the Chief Director of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service (OHCS), Mr. Bernard Brocke. He enjoined the Commission to promote and make known its scientific activities.

“I thought you were only into nuclear power. I did not know you had done these great works in agriculture, among others. Please, let us hear of you more,” he noted.

Interacting with guests and visitors on the scientific endeavors of the Commission at its stand were Research Scientists and Technologists drawn from the National Nuclear Research Institute (NNRI), Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI), Radiation Protection Institute (RPI), Nuclear Power Institute (NPI) and Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute (RAMSRI). They are Messrs. Daniel Adjei, Ebenezer Kondo, Elikem Kwaku Ahialey, Francis Aryeequaye, and Lawrence Akono Sarsah.

By CPRC/CCD

A two-day workshop has been held on tomato processing and marketing techniques for food processors, restaurateurs, entrepreneurs, and vegetable growers by the Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) in collaboration with the Organization of Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) in Accra.

The objective of the workshop was to equip participants to preserve fresh tomatoes by processing them into powder, canned tomato paste, puree, and sauce, to help reduce post-harvest losses and extend the shelf life of the vegetable.

Facilitators took the participants through topics including tomato processing technology, solar drying of tomato, processing tomato powder, bottling and canning of tomato sauce and tomato paste, quality management systems for tomato processing, and contaminants in the tomato value chain.

The participants were also introduced to a newly developed tomato processing technology that preserves fresh tomatoes called BNARI-Hemaa Kese Dryer, a mixed-mode solar dryer developed by a Senior Research Scientist of the Institute, Dr. Mavis Owureku-Asare.

 

Addressing participants at the workshop, the Director of BNARI, Dr. Michael Osae expressed delight at the turn-up of participants and their eagerness to acquire knowledge. “Indeed, I must say that the workshop was oversubscribed and there is the need to organize another one to share and propagate this knowledge,” he noted.

He urged participants to use the knowledge acquired at the workshop and adopt the technologies to help boost economic activity whiles reducing post-harvest losses incurred in the tomato value chain.

Making her presentation at the workshop, Dr. Mavis Owureku-Asare, the lead project coordinator, led the participants through the tomato processing and solar drying techniques.

 

She threw light on postharvest management of tomatoes, challenges and solutions available for participants to adopt. “Alternative and convenient domestic processing techniques should be promoted to prevent the high postharvest losses of tomato,” she added.

 

Dr. Owureku-Asare also discussed other processing methods that were available in processing and the various processed products that could be obtained from tomatoes.

Additionally, she explained that the drying of tomatoes is one of the simple technologies that could help reduce contamination and preserve the vegetable’s quality.

A Senior Lecturer in Agricultural Marketing and Agribusiness at the University of Ghana, Dr. Freda Asem, discussed the marketing goals for such products, strategies to use, factors that affect these strategies and some of the key factors to consider when marketing products.

Other facilitators for the workshop were Dr. Joyce Agyei-Amponsah, Dr. Akwasi Akomeah Agyekum, Mr. Damian Laryea, and Mrs. Adjoa Agah. They presented on the quality management systems for tomato processing, contaminants in the tomato value chain with emphasis on mycotoxins, personal hygiene and sanitation at food processing sites, and canning processes.

The Chief Executive Officer of Altar Foods, Ms. Zally Wembeme, who was one of the participants, said she has been equipped with knowledge in tomato processing, how to develop various tomato products and add value to tomatoes.

She urged Ghanaians in the tomato value chain to take the opportunity of subsequent workshops to help boost their businesses and for the unemployed to also acquire employable skills.

By CPRC/CCD

 

 

The Radiation Protection Institute (RPI) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) will host a five-day workshop on radiation protection and safety in Accra, from September 27 to October 1, 2021.

The objective of the workshop is to equip Radiographers and X-ray Technicians with the techniques of dealing with risks associated with excessive radiation exposure as well as update practitioners on the right protocols and procedures when performing such radiographic procedures.

According to the Manager of the Radiation, Protection, Training, and Consultancy Center (RPTCC) of RPI, Dr. Stephen Inkoom, the risks associated with excessive radiation exposure cannot be overlooked because it could affect the health of a patient and the practitioner.

“In the day-to-day work of radiographers, it is possible for an unintended part of a patient to be exposed to radiation. For instance, the Doctor asked for an X-ray of the left wrist, however, the right wrist was mistakenly exposed to radiation instead of the left wrist. This scenario requires that the best radiation safety practice should be employed to the benefit of both the patient and the X-ray Technician,” he said.

Dr. Inkoom explained that Radiographers and X-ray Technician are guided by work ethics that ensures protection and safety when exposing patients to any form of radiation. “Before a patient is examined using radiation, the request must be justified by a medical doctor. After the procedure is justified, the examination will then be performed by a Radiographer or X-ray Technician using minimal radiation dose to achieve the needed diagnostic objective,” he added.

The Manager of RPTCC made it known that Ghana is required by the provisions of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Basic Safety Standards to train Radiographers and X-ray Technicians whose work involves radiation exposure.

He added that training in radiation protection and safety was not only an international requirement but also a requirement by the regulatory body that regulates the peaceful use of ionizing radiation in Ghana, the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) of Ghana.

According to Dr. Inkoom, although the workshop is mainly targeted at Radiographers, X-ray Technicians, however Biomedical Engineers, Radiologists, Darkroom Attendants, and Nurses can also attend, adding: “participants stand to gain credit points from the Allied Health Professions Council of Ghana as part of their Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and career progression.”

“Participants will be given hands-on training, served with lunch during the training, and provided with certificates at the end of the workshop”, he noted.

Topics to be treated include X-ray Imaging Safety in Pediatrics and Pregnant Women, Decommissioning of X-ray machine procedures, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Safety, Radiation Protection in Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine.

The others are emerging trends in Diagnostic Imaging, Radiation Protection Trends in Medical Exposure, and Practical Radiation Protection in Digital Radiology.

By: CPRC/CCD/GAEC

Director-General of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Prof. Benjamin Nyarko, on Friday 11^th June 2021, led the staff of the Commission on a tree planting exercise to mark Green Ghana Day, as part of the Green Ghana Project being spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

The two-hour exercise saw Directors of Institutes plant trees to commemorate the day. Centre Managers and leaders of the various labour associations in GAEC also planted trees to mark the event, which sought to have 5 million trees planted to mark the project across the country.

 

 

 

 

 

The Ladies Association of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has been advised to balance work and family life to help achieve the desired results at the professional and personal level.

This will help minimize stress and maximize positive experiences among mothers who care for the home and have to meet the challenges of the labour force.

A Senior Lecturer at the School of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Ghana, Dr. Mrs. Adabie Gomez, gave the advice at a symposium organized by the Ladies Association of GAEC in Accra to commemorate the Mother’s Day celebration.

The one-day symposium, dubbed: “Work-Home Balance”, was attended by all categories of female employees of the Commission.

Dr. Gomez who was the Guest Speaker for the occasion said that the modern-day woman is expected to take on multiple roles while staying proficient at her workplace as well as keeping a loving and stable home.

She gave some tips and approaches that would help the women blend their professional and personal life.

“These are some strategies I want you to deploy in your daily lives as you take on your multiple roles. Be intentional, plan, make a to-do list, set your priorities, limit multitasking and minimize interruptions at work” she advised.

The Senior Lecturer encouraged the ladies to care for their mental and physical health by seeking help from support systems whenever they feel overwhelmed.

“Do not feel ashamed to seek professional help when the need arises. Some support systems you can lean on include; friends, family members, co-workers, and counselors” she noted.

Dr. Gomez wished the Ladies Association of GAEC a happy mother’s day and urged them to continue being good role models in the GAEC community.

The Chairperson of the Ladies Association, Prof. Mary Boadu commended the ladies for their invaluable roles they play in contributing to the wellbeing of mankind.

Prof. Boadu who is also the Director of the Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute (RAMSRI) of GAEC, explained that because of women involvement in building a better society, Mother’s Day had been set aside to honor women overall the world.

“A typical mother is motivational, open-minded, tenacious, golden-hearted, enthusiastic and ultimately, rock and strong tower, she added.

By: CPRC/CCD/GAEC

 

 

The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has commenced a series of workshops to sensitize Management and staff on the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

The workshops are aimed at bringing Management and staff of the Commission up-to-speed on key provisions of ACT 989 to ensure its successful implementation.

Speaking at one of the workshops organized for personnel of the Security Section, the Assistant RTI Officer of GAEC, Mr. Kwasi Ampofo Fianko noted that one of the main goals of the RTI Act is to ensure transparency and accountability in the governance of the country.

He emphasized that as part of efforts to fight corruption and build trust in government institutions, the RTI Act mandates public institutions to give credible information to individuals who request for it.

“The purpose of the RTI Act is to fulfill Article 21 (1) (f) of the 1992 constitution, which guarantees the right of an individual to information” he stated.

 

According to Mr. Fianko, an individual has the right to apply for information without giving any reasons prior to the application, except in emergency situations where the timelines are shorter.

“After we receive a request for information, we have fourteen days to respond to the request. However, in the case of an emergency we have only two days to respond” he added.

Mr. Fianko stressed that the security guards of the Commission are part of the front line staff and should to be conscious of dates and timelines associated with requests for information from the public.

He therefore urged them to promptly direct any request for information on the activities of the Commission to the Communication and Public Relations Center (CPRC) of GAEC for the necessary assistance.

By: CPRC/CCD/GAEC

The Council of the Federation of African Medical Physics Organizations (FAMPO) has selected Ghana as the host country for its Secretariat.

The decision, which received a unanimous endorsement among 30 African national member organizations was announced on April 28, 2021, during its Extraordinary Meeting held via a virtual platform.

The core mandate of the Secretariat will be to coordinate activities of the Federation in ensuring the promotion of medical physics in Africa.

FAMPO is a regional federation of the International Organizations for Medical Physics (IOMP) in Africa, established in 2009, to ensure high professional standards among national member organizations, promote collaboration and innovation through partnerships with organizations and academia, and promote talent, information, and ideas that lead to great advances in the medical application of radiation.

National Member organizations of FAMPO include, Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cote D’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, and Mauritania.

The rest are Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

According to the Vice President of the Executive Committee of FAMPO, Dr. Francis Hasford, Ghana got the nod from national member organizations because of its exceptional achievements in education, training, and professional practice of Medical Physics.

“The immense contribution of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission in this regard cannot go unmentioned,” he added.

Dr. Hasford, who is also the Head of the Medical Physics Department at the Graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences (SNAS), explained that Ghana as the host of the Medical Physics Secretariat in the African Region was a confirmation of the country becoming a regional hub for Medical Physics.

“It is highly anticipated that the placement of FAMPO Secretariat in Ghana will further contribute to attracting Medical Physics students from other African countries to study at SNAS and also attract key projects in radiation medicine to the country,” he said.

Dr. Hasford disclosed that plans were far advanced to acquire an office space for the Secretariat. He also noted that the Council of FAMPO in its communique described Ghana as a leader in medical physics practice and training within the African region.

“Ghana is one of the few countries within the region with legislative recognition for the profession. It is anticipated that the experiences of Ghana will be put to bare in managing this very important Secretariat,” he added.

By: CPRC/CCD/GAEC

Research conducted by the Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has revealed extreme resistance to insecticides among Anopheles mosquitoes in a small cocoa growing village of the Ashanti Region.

The research conducted at Atatam in the Adansi Asokwa District of the Ashanti Region showed that there were two major malaria vectors, one dominating during the dry season and the other during the rainy season. Unlike in many communities, where there is only one transmission season, usually the rainy season.

The Director of BNARI, Dr. Michael Osae, made this known when he shared the findings with the Chief and people of Atatam last Wednesday, at a Malaria Awareness Campaign to commemorate this year’s World Malaria Day.

The campaign dubbed, ‘Zero Malaria – Draw the line against Malaria’, was organized by BNARI, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Ghana Education Service (GES), and AngloGold Ashanti Malaria Control (AGAMal). As part of the programme, the people of Atatam were screened and treated against the malaria parasite.

According to the Director, research was ongoing to proffer alternative tools that could fight the malaria vectors or prevent further resistance to maintain the effectiveness of existing vector control interventions.

“Our research found out that there are two main types of malaria-causing mosquitoes in the Atatam Community – Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus. The populations of both species have high resistance to all classes of insecticides – organophosphates, organochlorines, pyrethroids, and carbamates recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for public health use” he added.

He indicated that the ‘super’ resistance to insecticides may be due to the use of pesticides by the people of Atatam on their cocoa farms, and said the research showed that Atatam was a malaria-endemic community, with a heavy infestation of mosquitoes all year round.

Dr. Osae thanked partners and sponsors as well as the Chief and people of Atatam for supporting the institute’s research activities and the malaria awareness campaign.

The Director of Ghana Health Service (GHS) of Adansi Asokwa District, Mr. David Kunta gave some lessons on the behavior of mosquitoes and the dangers it poses to people and added that malaria was on the ascendency in the District.

He revealed that malaria topped all hospital cases with 32.5 percent for the year 2020. “Malaria cases for the first quarter of 2021 also stands at 34 percent as we speak,” he added.

Mr. David Kunta therefore, urged the people to always use an insecticide-treated mosquito net to help prevent mosquito bites and report immediately to the clinic for healthcare whenever they are unwell.

The Social and Behavioural Change Manager of AngloGold Ashanti Malaria Control Limited (AGAMaL), Mrs. Alberta Gordon Bosomtwe, who represented the Program Director, called for a united effort and active involvement of everybody to bring the disease under control.

“The disease, if not brought under control can affect the school performance of pupils, reduce productivity at workplaces through absenteeism, as work-hours are lost, among others,” she noted.

The Coordinator for the School Health Education Programme (SHEP) of GES, Mr. Columbus Ewusie, representing the Director of Ghana Education Service (GES) expressed gratitude for the selection of the school in the District for the occasion.

“The District is always ready to support such programmes that target the health and wellness of its pupils,” he added.

As part of the campaign, the people of Atatam were screened for malaria and those who tested positive treated. In all, 125 people were screened, with 68 (54.4%) testing positive for malaria. This level of malaria prevalence is far higher than the regional and national prevalence of 15% and 16% respectively. This calls for concerted efforts from all stakeholders, if we must remain on track for the zero-malaria agenda.

By: CPRC/CCD/GAEC