The Nuclear Power Institute (NPI) has cautioned that Ghana's capacity to fully utilize its untapped hydropower potential could be compromised due to the detrimental impacts of illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.

NPI reports indicate that approximately 64% of Ghana's hydropower potential has already been exploited.

Speaking at a press conference focused on the status of Ghana's Nuclear Power Programme, Dr. Archibald Buah-Kwofie, Deputy Director of NPI, emphasized the urgency of diversifying the nation's energy portfolio.

He commented, "While we have tapped into around 64% of our hydro potentials, we are also confronted with the galamsey issue.

A significant number of our water bodies have been adversely affected, posing additional challenges in harnessing the remaining 36%."

In a parallel development, Dr. Stephen Yamoah, the Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana, expressed optimism about securing a suitable vendor for the construction of Ghana's inaugural nuclear power plant by the year's end.

"We are in the process of evaluating the submissions, after which it will undergo the state's procedural steps. We will collaborate with the Ministry, and subsequently, it will be presented to the cabinet for their deliberation," Dr. Yamoah affirmed.