Ghana aims to start building nuclear plant by 2028
Ghana is planning to start building its first nuclear power plant by 2028, two years earlier than its original target of 2030.
However, officials say this will only be possible if they can finalise deals with a vendor and secure funding soon.
Dr Stephen Yamoah, the head of Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG), said the country is still following its original plan set in 2015, but starting operations by 2030 is no longer possible.
He explained that the process depends on choosing the right company to build the plant and finding the money to pay for it. If these delays continue, construction could be pushed even further.
Ghana is pushing for nuclear power to boost its energy supply, support industries, and grow the economy.
The government has already chosen a location for the plant at Nsuban in the Western Region, with a backup site at Obotan in the Central Region.
At the moment, experts are studying these sites to get final approval from the country’s nuclear regulator.
A team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is also in Ghana to check if the site selection process follows international safety standards.
The team, led by Kazuyuki Nagasawa, will release an initial report next week and a full report within two months.
Professor Samuel Dampare, the head of Ghana’s Atomic Energy Commission, said the country has completed the first phase of its nuclear program, including setting up the right institutions and getting government approval.
The next phase, selecting the final site, is an important step and follows strict safety rules.
Officials believe nuclear power will help Ghana secure reliable electricity, grow its industries, and protect the environment.
