Ghana is pursuing nuclear energy to meet rising electricity needs, partnering with Russia, China, and the U.S. for reactors, aiming for 1,000 MW by 2034.
Ghana explores nuclear energy for growth
Ghana is considering nuclear energy as a way to meet rising electricity needs driven by industrialization. President John Dramani Mahama announced this during the third Russia-Africa forum in Moscow on October 29, stating the country is looking to partner with Russia's Rosatom for a civil nuclear project.Ghana signs international nuclear agreements
Ghana has already signed agreements with both China and the United States for its nuclear program. In April 2024, the country signed a framework agreement with China's National Nuclear Corporation to develop a Hualong One reactor, which would generate about 1,200 megawatts of power.Nuclear program in its second phase
The nuclear program is currently in its second phase, which includes site studies, institutional preparation, regulation, and supplier negotiations. This phase is part of a three-phase framework set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), with construction planned for the third phase.Funding remains a challenge
Despite progress, funding remains a significant barrier. In March, Stephen Yamoah, director general of Nuclear Power Ghana, noted that detailed site studies and environmental impact assessments—needed for reactor construction—had not been funded.Preparation continues with monitoring work
Preparation efforts are ongoing. In September, the minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, reported the installation of meteorological monitoring devices at proposed sites, along with geographic verification and land acquisition to support the nuclear program.Ghana targets 1,000 MW by 2034
Ghana aims to have about 1,000 megawatts of operational nuclear power by 2034. The World Nuclear Association reports that Nsuban in the Western region is the preferred site, with Obotan in the Central region as a backup option.Building local nuclear expertise
Ghana is also developing its own nuclear expertise. The School of Nuclear Sciences and Related Disciplines has trained over 800 master's and doctoral graduates. The country collaborates with several international partners, including the IAEA, the European Union, the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, and Russia, to advance its nuclear goals.
