Ghana’s push toward nuclear energy has taken a decisive step forward with the inauguration of a new Board of Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG).
The ceremony, led by the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, marked what government describes as a major turning point in the country’s pursuit of nuclear power, an ambition first envisioned by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah more than six decades ago.
Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister described the inauguration as a “significant milestone” in Ghana’s long-standing effort to diversify its energy mix and secure reliable base-load power for national development.
He reaffirmed that nuclear energy offers one of the most dependable pathways to achieving energy stability and supporting the country’s industrialisation objectives.
“Global experience is clear. Every nation seeking long-term industrial expansion needs access to stable, affordable base-load power and nuclear energy remains one of the most reliable pathways to achieve this.”
John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Energy and Green Transition
In his address, Mr. Jinapor underscored the urgency of expanding Ghana’s power generation options to meet rising industrial and domestic demand.
He noted that countries pursuing long-term economic growth consistently rely on stable, affordable energy sources, particularly nuclear power, which has proven to be one of the most reliable.
According to him, nuclear power is not merely an option for Ghana but a necessity for ensuring the nation’s energy resilience in the decades ahead.
The Minister emphasised that energy diversification is critical for Ghana’s future, especially as the country navigates the constraints of hydropower variability, rising thermal fuel costs and increasing demand from the manufacturing, mining and digital sectors.
Directive to Accelerate Ghana’s Nuclear Roadmap
Mr. Jinapor made it clear that the newly constituted board carries a unique responsibility: to push the nuclear development programme beyond its historically slow pace and deliver tangible progress.
“I have charged the Board to break new ground, accelerate progress, and deliver on the long-standing objective of adding nuclear power to our national energy mix.”
John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Energy and Green Transition
He urged the board members to adopt innovative strategies, strengthen institutional capacity and deepen partnerships with global nuclear agencies and experienced operators.
The Minister further highlighted the importance of effective coordination with regulators, technology providers and financing partners to ensure timely project execution.
He assured the public that government remains committed to maintaining the world’s highest standards of safety and transparency throughout the nuclear development process.
“Government remains committed to the highest global standards of safety, transparency and regulatory oversight.”
John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Energy and Green Transition
He stressed that the country’s nuclear ambitions must be pursued with strict adherence to international best practices.
According to Mr. Jinapor, nuclear energy is expected to become a cornerstone of Ghana’s long-term industrial transformation strategy.
Reliable electricity supply, he noted, is essential for boosting production, attracting investment and expanding value-added industries across the economy.
Newly Inaugurated NPG Board Members
The newly inaugurated NPG board comprises seasoned professionals and experienced engineers with deep knowledge of Ghana’s energy landscape.
The members include Emmanuel Appiah-Korang, who will serve as Chairman; Ing. Samuel Boakye Dampare; Ing. Edward Obeng-Kenzo; Bernard Kofi Ellis; Benedict Kofi Wompeh; and Nana Akyaa Amoah-Amissah.
Mr. Jinapor expressed confidence that the team’s expertise will play a crucial role in accelerating the country’s nuclear readiness and building the institutional strength needed to manage such a complex national project.
Throughout the ceremony, the Minister repeatedly stressed the strategic importance of nuclear energy for Ghana’s developmental agenda.
He reminded the board and stakeholders that Ghana’s pursuit of nuclear power has been a generational ambition, rooted in the vision of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and advanced by successive governments.
As Ghana enters a new phase in its nuclear journey, the newly constituted NPG board now faces the task of turning long-standing plans into concrete results. With clear directives from government and rising energy demands nationwide, the urgency has never been greater.
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