A swearing-in ceremony was held on August 26, at the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology (MEST) to induct the newly appointed Governing Board Members of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC).
The ceremony was presided over by Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Acting Minister for MEST and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, on behalf of President John Mahama.
He led the members to take the oaths of office and secrecy as guiding principles in the discharge of their duties.
The seven-member Governing Board is chaired by Prof. Abdulai Baba Salifu, with Prof. Francis Gbogbo, Dr. Sena Akosua Yvonne Loh, Prof. Langbong Bimi, Suweibatu Adam (Chief Director of MEST), Albert Quashigah, and Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare (Director-General of GAEC) as members.
In his remarks, the Acting Minister said the new Board’s stewardship comes at a crucial moment in Ghana’s Nuclear Power Programme, which is steadily advancing through Phase II of the IAEA’s three-phased approach, leading towards the establishment of a nuclear power plant to diversify Ghana’s energy sources.
“Your commitment to ensuring that the Commission meets international nuclear safety and regulatory standards is crucial, as Ghana works closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to advance this ambitious national project,” he stated.
Mr. Buah further revealed that ongoing policy processes aim to review the GAEC Act (Act 508) to strengthen and strategically position the Commission for maximum impact.
He urged the Board to support the process with urgency and fresh ideas to enrich the reforms.
The Acting Minister also charged the Board to address encroachment on GAEC lands, describing them as critical national assets hosting strategic research, training, and nuclear facilities.
He emphasised that protecting the lands is vital for both current operations and the future expansion of Ghana’s nuclear programme.
“In carrying out your mandate, I encourage you to strengthen research collaborations, promote innovation in the peaceful applications of nuclear technology in areas such as health, agriculture, industry, and environmental management, and ensure that GAEC continues to be a centre of excellence in nuclear science and technology on the African continent,” he added.
On behalf of the Board, Chairman Prof. Abdulai Baba Salifu thanked the President for the confidence reposed in them and pledged their commitment to advancing GAEC’s vision.
He outlined plans to establish a health facility specialising in nuclear technologies for treating non-communicable diseases and reaffirmed support for efforts to build Ghana’s first nuclear power plant.
The ceremony was attended by GAEC management and staff, including Deputy Director-General Prof. Francis Hasford; Director of Administration, William Srekumah; Deputy Director of Finance, Eli Aniabo; Director of the Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Dr. Theodosia Adom; Head of Legal Affairs, Madam Susana Nyarkoa Addo; and representatives of the Commercialisation and Communication Directorate, Dr. Mark Kwasi Sarfo and Mr. Joshua Yeboah.