The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has issued a stark warning regarding escalating encroachment on its lands, emphasizing the severe threat this poses to the security of its sensitive installations and the safety of the surrounding populace. The encroachment activities, now alarmingly close to the National Nuclear Waste Management Centre, which houses hazardous radioactive materials under strict national and international regulations, raise concerns about the potential for accidental exposure and environmental contamination. The Commission underscores the importance of maintaining a secure perimeter around these facilities, not only to protect the integrity of its operations but also to safeguard the wellbeing of nearby residents who could be unknowingly exposed to hazardous materials should the security of these facilities be compromised.
The GAEC has reported a surge in illegal activities, with unidentified individuals breaching security barriers and encroaching upon land designated for future expansion of nuclear facilities. This expansion is crucial for projects aimed at bolstering sustainable agriculture and enhancing national food security through food preservation, reduction of post-harvest losses, and contamination control in consumer products. Furthermore, the planned facility will contribute to the sterilization of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other essential products, playing a vital role in public health and safety. The unauthorized occupation of this designated land directly impedes these critical development initiatives and jeopardizes Ghana’s capacity to leverage nuclear technology for peaceful and beneficial purposes.
The Commission emphasizes that preventing encroachment is paramount to maintaining a secure research environment and ensuring the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology for national development. Ghana, as a signatory to various international legal frameworks, bears a responsibility to protect its nuclear assets and uphold the highest standards of safety and security. The ongoing encroachments not only undermine these obligations but also potentially expose Ghana to international scrutiny and sanctions, damaging the country’s reputation in the global nuclear community.
Ghana currently holds the prestigious position of Chair of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN agency responsible for promoting the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technology worldwide. This leadership role underscores Ghana’s commitment to responsible nuclear governance and amplifies the negative impact of the ongoing land encroachments. Failure to address this issue promptly could tarnish Ghana’s international standing and jeopardize future opportunities for collaboration and development in the nuclear field. The Commission warns that the country’s positive track record of safely operating a research reactor for over three decades could be significantly undermined if the encroachment issue remains unresolved.
The GAEC has explicitly cautioned the public against purchasing any portion of its land from unauthorized individuals. Such transactions are illegal and contribute directly to the ongoing encroachment problem. The Commission reiterates its commitment to safeguarding its land and maintaining the highest standards of security around its nuclear facilities. It appeals to the public to cooperate in protecting these vital national assets and to report any suspicious activities or attempts to sell GAEC land.
The GAEC’s urgent appeal underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate action to address the escalating encroachment problem. The security of nuclear facilities, the safety of the surrounding population, and Ghana’s international reputation are all at stake. The Commission’s warning serves as a call to action for both the government and the public to collaborate in protecting these vital national assets and ensuring the responsible and peaceful application of nuclear technology for the benefit of Ghana and the wider international community. The continued encroachment threatens not only the immediate safety and security of the area but also the long-term development goals that rely on the peaceful and secure application of nuclear science.
