The 11th International Symposium on Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material was held at the Mensvic Hotel in Accra with a focus on planet-friendly solutions in the extractive industry.
The event was under the chairmanship of the Director General of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) and President of NORM XI, Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare, and was on the theme, “Broadening Optimization in Industrial Processes Involving NORM: A focus on Sustainability in Extractive Industries.”
Ghana is the first Sub-Saharan African country to host an International Symposium on Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material, and marks a significant milestone for the country, positioning it as a global leader in the application and use of NORM for research and development.
The five-day event had experts from around the globe congregating in Ghana to participate and was also graced with the presence of the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for the Bole-Bamboi Constituency, Hon. Alhaji Yusif Sulemana. He came to represent his boss, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and Ag. Minister of the Ministry of Environment Science and Technology, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who is also the Member of Parliament for the Ellembelle Constituency.
In a keynote address, read on behalf of Hon. Buah, he emphasized Ghana’s growing role as a hub for nuclear science and technology in Africa, highlighting the country’s commitment to environmental stewardship and radiation safety.
He noted that NORM are encountered in several key sectors in Ghana, including mining, oil and gas, phosphate manufacturing, cement production, and water treatment.
“While these industries fuel our economy, they also pose environmental and health challenges that require our collective vigilance, innovation, and responsibility,” he stated.
He indicated that the government of Ghana remains firmly committed to supporting research, innovation, and regulation in the nuclear field.
“We will continue to work closely with our international partners, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to strengthen Ghana’s capacity in radiation safety and environmental management,” he added.
He encouraged participants to use the moment to strengthen collaborations, build partnerships, and reaffirm shared responsibilities of ensuring that the benefits of industrial development are achieved without compromising the health and safety of people or the integrity of the environment.
Prof. Dampare also welcomed the participants, reflecting on the evolution of NORM symposia since its inception in Amsterdam, Netherlands, in 1997. He praised the collaborative efforts of GAEC, the Ghana Association for Radiation Protection (GARP), the African ALARA Network (AFAN), and the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA), as well as international partners such as the IAEA, ICRP, ILO, IRPA, and UNSCEAR.
“This symposium marks a milestone not only for Ghana but for the entire region. It is a testament to our shared commitment to optimizing industrial processes while safeguarding human health and the environment,” he added.
He observed a minute’s silence, marking a solemn moment during his speech, as a tribute to the late former Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Hon. Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, who tragically passed away earlier this year, for his support for Ghana’s hosting of NORM XISymposium.
Prof. Dampare expressed his sincere gratitude to the NORM XI Symposium Board, Steering Committee, Local Organising Committee, Scientific Programme Committee, and the invaluable contributions of some private sector sponsors for making this programme a reality. “History will remember your dedication, support, and excellence,” he said.
By: CPRC/CCD
