The Radiation Protection Institute (RPI) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has organised the Second National Training Course on Radiation Protection and Safety in Medical Radiological Applications for 2026.

The five-day training programme, aimed at strengthening radiation safety capacity among healthcare professionals and promoting the safe use of radiation technologies in medical practice, is being held from October 26 to 30, 2026, at the Ghana Research Reactor 1 (GHARR 1) Training Facility, GAEC, Kwabenya, Accra.

The programme has brought together radiographers, radiologists, medical physicists, biomedical engineers, X-ray technicians, radiation protection officers, and other healthcare professionals from across the country.

The course, under the direction of the Deputy Director of RPI, Prof. Stephen Inkoom and coordinated by the Acting Manager of the Radiation Protection Training and Consultancy Centre (RPTCC) of RPI,, Dr. Kofi O. Akyea-Larbi, seeks to enhance participants’ knowledge and practical skills in radiation protection, safety management, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance in medical radiological applications

The Director-General of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare, in a speech read on his behalf by his Deputy, Prof. Francis Hasford, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to human resource development in the peaceful application of ionising radiation, describing it as a key pillar of Ghana’s socio-economic development and healthcare advancement.

“GAEC attaches great importance to human resources development in the peaceful applications of ionizing radiation in medicine and other applications and considers it as one of the priority areas for the socio-economic development of Ghana,” he stated.

Prof. Dampare noted that advances in medical technologies have expanded the use of ionising radiation in diagnostic imaging, interventional radiology, nuclear medicine and radiotherapy, creating new opportunities for improving healthcare outcomes while increasing the need for robust radiation protection measures.

He observed that the Radiation Protection Institute has played a critical role in supporting the safe application of radiation technologies through training, research and technical services, thereby contributing significantly to national development.

The Director-General commended the management and staff of the Institute, as well as the facilitators, for their dedication to building national expertise in radiation protection and safety.

“It is my fervent hope that the objectives of the training course will be fully achieved by the end of the course to the deep satisfaction of both lecturers and participants,” he said.

He encouraged participants to fully engage with the programme and apply the knowledge gained to strengthen radiation safety practices in their institutions.

“I urge the participants to avail themselves of the opportunity presented them and, with determination and commitment, become fully acquainted with current and relevant issues of radiation protection and safety in medicine. More importantly, be able to impart knowledge to your colleagues at your respective hospitals, clinics and workplaces,” he added.

Prof. Dampare expressed confidence that the training would contribute to improving patient protection, occupational safety and regulatory compliance across Ghana’s healthcare system while reinforcing a culture of professionalism among practitioners.

In his welcome address, the Director of the Radiation Protection Institute (RPI), Dr. Eric. T. Glover, highlighted the growing importance of radiation protection in modern healthcare as the use of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies continues to expand.

“The medical use of ionizing radiation has expanded with advanced technology, opening new horizons to diagnostics and interventional radiology, nuclear medicine and radiotherapy. While this has improved patient care, inappropriate or unsafe handling of radiation technology can also pose potential health risks for both patients and health workers. There is therefore the need to maximize the benefits while minimizing the harms,” he said

Dr. Glover noted that the Institute provides technical services in radiation protection and safety and conducts research and safety assessments to support the safe use of radiation technologies throughout the country.

He announced that the 2026 National Training Course on Radiation Protection and Safety in Medical Radiological Applications had been accredited with ten Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points by the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC), Ghana.

He urged participants to serve as ambassadors of radiation safety and professionalism in their respective workplaces.

Providing a technical overview of the programme, the Deputy Director of the Radiation Protection Institute and Course Director, Prof. Stephen Inkoom, said the training was designed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to minimise radiation exposure, assess risks and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

He explained that participants would receive training in key areas including radiation protection, patient dose assessment, quality assurance, MRI safety and national regulatory requirements.

“Achieving clear diagnostic images while minimising exposure remains a major challenge. The goal is optimisation, not compromise. Every optimised scan is a win for patient safety and a proof of our commitment to the ALARA principle, keeping radiation as low as reasonably achievable,” he added.

He further emphasised the importance of effective communication with patients regarding the benefits and risks associated with radiological procedures and expressed confidence that participants would leave the programme better equipped to implement best practices and promote radiation safety in their workplaces.

“For the first time in the history of the Training, a Guest Facililator in the person of Dr. Prince K. Gyekye, Director of Radiological and Non-Ionising Installations Directorate at the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) and Lecturer at the School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, University of Ghana will make a presentation on National Regulatory Requirements for Control of Radiation Sources (NRA Act 895 of 2025) to the participants,” he added.

Also in attendance was the communications team of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, led by Dr. Mark Kwasi Sarfo.

By: CPRC/CCD