Ghana plans to start building its first nuclear power plant by 2028

Ghana is planning to start building its first nuclear power plant by 2028. Originally the country aimed to construct and operate the structure by 2030, but such a schedule does not appear technically feasible anymore. Discussing the topic with journalists, Dr Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG), said that the selection of vendor and financing arrangements were crucial for the development of the project and that building operations could start realistically within three or four years. Ghana has already selected a site for the plant in the Western Region and a backup site in the Central Region. The NPG is working to secure a Site Approval License from the Nuclear Regulatory Authority and has contacted the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to review the site selection process and safety standards. A team of IAEA experts is already in the country to assess the development of the project and should provide a final report to Ghanaian authorities within a couple of months. Ghana believes to have fulfilled all obligations for Phase I of its Nuclear Power Programme and hopes to pass to Phase II with the final selection of the site for the nuclear power plant.