Director of Science, Technology and Innovations, Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovations (MESTI) Kwamena Quaison, has emphasized that sufficient investment in scientific research and development is crucial to unleash the full potential of nuclear technology.

“Taking such steps would yield more opportunities by creating new industries, new jobs, ensure food security, provide health solutions to the labour force and provide a cleaner and more sustainable future for all,” he said.

Mr. Quaison delivered these comments during the Scientific Innovations Dialogue held in Accra as part of the celebration of Africa's Scientific Renaissance Day.

The celebration, championed by MESTI, was on the theme, “Harnessing the power of the atom for economic transformation through science and technology.”

The Director said nuclear technology could create new industries and jobs if the country took the necessary steps to build capacity, starting from the basic level of education.

He said, “Although an atom was the smallest building block for any substance, it possesses power for economic transformation. An atom has been a source of energy for the industrial revolution of many countries over the years, and with further advancements in this technology, it has become even more valuable.”

During the Scientific Innovations Dialogue in Accra, Mr. Quaison highlighted the importance of resilient economies relying on reliable and affordable energy. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive examination of energy production and consumption activities, including power generation sources, distribution, and usage. Recognizing the established connection between energy and development, he emphasized that the significance of this nexus cannot be overstated.

Mr. Quaison pointed out the transformation in Ghana's electricity generation, with hydro now accounting for 38% and thermal for 60%, compared to the previous composition of 84% hydro and 14% thermal. This shift has resulted in high tariffs due to gas price fluctuations and inconsistent gas supply. He noted that the electricity cost, accounting for 40% of production expenses for Ghanaian industries, hampers their competitiveness.

With limited hydro potential left to tap into, Mr. Quaison highlighted the attractiveness of Nuclear and Coal as baseload options to help reduce tariffs and facilitate industrialization in Ghana. He mentioned that the country has already issued a request for information and received feedback for six large reactors and nine small modular reactors (SMRs).

Dr. Samuel Boakye Dampare, the Director-General of Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), also emphasized Ghana's pioneering role in offering research-driven solutions in various fields such as agriculture, health, environmental sustainability, energy, water resource management, and geological mineral resources management. He highlighted the efforts of GAEC's Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI) and its collaborators in enhancing crop yields and developing drought-tolerant, disease-resistant, and nutritionally superior varieties of crops like cassava and tomatoes.

Dr. Dampare emphasized the importance of teamwork and collaboration among scientists and research institutions in achieving innovations and breakthroughs.

“A typical example of this spirit of collaboration was the work between the Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute (RAMSRI) of the GAEC and the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in cancer treatment,” he said.

Dr Dampare said GAEC expected the collaborations between the scientific communities of Ghana to be deepened and strengthened to enhance knowledge sharing and the churning out of innovations and technologies for the benefit of Ghanaians.

The Director-General said the Government, private sector industries and other stakeholders must commit to spending a lot more on Science, Technology and Innovations to realise their vision of economic transformation soon.

He said to increase innovation, productivity and economic growth, African governments should raise their national gross expenditure on research and development to at least one per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).