Government to train more than 2,000 scientists for nuclear power transition – Finance Minister
The Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, says the government plans to train more than 2,000 scientists to develop local expertise for Ghana’s transition to nuclear power. He drew parallels with the construction of the Akosombo Dam under Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, saying the project demonstrated the importance of long-term investments in the country’s energy infrastructure.
The Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, says the government plans to train more than 2,000 scientists to develop local expertise for Ghana’s transition to nuclear power.
According to him, the initiative forms part of the country’s nuclear readiness programme, aimed at building the technical capacity required to support the development and safe operation of a nuclear power plant.
Presenting the 2027 Budget in Parliament on Thursday, November 12, Dr Forson said the proposed nuclear power plant would remain a strategic national asset and would not be developed under an independent power producer arrangement.
“Mr Speaker, the nuclear power plant will remain a strategic national asset, and it will not be developed as an independent power producer. International partners will only provide technology, financing, engineering, and specialist services,” he said.
He said the training of the scientists would ensure that Ghana develops the local expertise needed to drive the country's nuclear energy ambitions.
“As part of our nuclear readiness journey, the government of Ghana will train over 2,000 scientists to build local expertise to drive Ghana’s transition to safe and reliable nuclear power,” he stated.
Dr Forson said the decision to pursue nuclear power reflected the need to secure a reliable source of baseload electricity for future generations.
He drew parallels with the construction of the Akosombo Dam under Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, saying the project demonstrated the importance of long-term investments in the country's energy infrastructure.
“Over 60 years ago, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah gave his beloved Ghana its first great source of baseload power at Akosombo. He built for generations he would never meet,” he said.
“Today, we owe the future generations that same foresight and courage. For years, we have spoken about developing a nuclear power plant. The time has come to turn that ambition into action.”
The Finance Minister said the government was determined to develop nuclear power as a new source of baseload electricity to support the country's future energy needs.
“A nation's future is secured by what each generation has the courage to build,” he added.
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