As part of its commitment to engage with the relevant stakeholders to be abreast of the significance of nuclear power technology, a two-day virtual workshop has been held for media professionals.
The workshop was on the theme: “Transformative nature of Nuclear Power Technology and its relevance to Ghanaians”.
The participants were taken through topics such as “Major Components of a Nuclear Power Plant (NPP)” by Mr Daniel A. Wordson; “The Advantages of Nuclear Energy and Applications” by Dr Felix Ameyaw of Nuclear Energy Planning Centre (NEPC); “The Nuclear Fuel Cycle (Key Concepts & Associated Safety Concerns”, among other topics.
Dr. Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana
The media professionals were educated that nuclear fuel is a material (uranium) that can be used to produce nuclear energy through fusion or fissions.
Dr Felix Ameyaw revealed facts on non-electric application with nuclear power by stating that less than 1% of heat generated in nuclear power plants globally is currently used for non-electric applications.
Dr Felix Ameyaw
According to him, the advantages of non-electric application of nuclear energy include: improving NPP efficiency by saving energy, recycling of waste heat, rationalisation of production.
Other advantages are: improving the value of heat (use of low-quality steam), improving economics of NPPs for better revenue such as better utilisation of fuel, sharing of infrastructures, production of more than one product (cogeneration).
Dr Ameyaw said one advantage is to sustain the environment by keeping it clean and reducing consumption of fossil fuel to produce energy for non-electric applications.
With regard to the prospects of nuclear energy utilisation for non-electric applications in Ghana, Dr Ameyaw said the above-mentioned non-electric applications of nuclear heat could be identified, and the possible demand for such application indicates good prospects for Ghana.
Touching on meeting the demand for energy-intensive non-electric products, Dr Ameyaw said desalination of sea water is the only means to overcome water shortage in the 21st century.
He said, for instance, in Ghana, close to six million people (nearly 22%) rely on surface water (supplied by GWCL) to meet their daily water needs for domestic and industrial uses. More than 40% of Ghana’s 25 million population lack access to safe water.
A cross-section of the participants commended the authorities of Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG) for the timely and insightful training workshop.
As a backgrounder;
Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG) was established in 2018 as the Owner/Operator of Ghana’s first proposed Nuclear Power Plant. In July 2019, NPG was duly registered under the Companies Code of Ghana as a Limited Liability Company. NPG is housed in BPA Heights II in Accra.
As the Owner/Operator,
NPG is responsible for project development and feasibility, plant and site licensing, regulatory compliance, construction, and commissioning, as well as ensuring that the plant is operational, maintained, and decommissioned in compliance with international best practices.
The ruling National Democratic Congress ( NDC) through the Forestry Commission under the instructions of Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources,has issued a letter directing immediate disengagement of over 40,000 beneficiaries under the “Youth in Afforestation/Reforestation Project(YAP).
The intercepted Letter dated February,28,2025, copied to all stations FSD,WD,TIDO was signed by Huge C.A.Brown(PhD).
Portion of the said letter says’You are, therefore, kindly requested to take immediate steps to disengage all the YAP beneficiaries under your jurisdiction (if any) by issuing individual disengagement letters to each beneficiary by March,4,2025 using the attached disengagement sample letter “.
According to a reliable source,the directive is expected to affect over 40,000 beneficiaries of the”Youth in Afforestation/Reforestation Programme engaged so far since its inception in 2018.
The attention of former Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has been drawn to a post on X by Honorary Vice President of Policy Think-tank, Imani-Africa, Mr. Bright Simons on the new government’s decision to withdraw a unitisation directive between Springfield Exploration and Production Limited (Springfield) and Eni Ghana Exploration and Production Limited (ENI) in relation to the Afina-1X Discovery and the Sankofa Cenomanian Oil Field.
In the said post, which has also been given prominence in a GhanaWeb publication of 27th February, 2025, Mr. Simons makes a direct reference to Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as the then Energy Minister who issued the Unitisation Directive.
In the withdrawal letter signed by current Energy Minister, Hon. John Jinapor, all the unitisation directive letters he referred to were in the year 2020 when Dr. Prempeh was Education Minister.
In fact, Dr. Prempeh assumed office as Energy Minister on 7th March, 2021.
Just a careful reading of even the withdrawal letter and recollection of historical facts could have saved Mr. Simons from this avoidable statement of error: “The new government of Ghana has decided to save the country from further embarrassment by withdrawing a bizarre order issued by the former Energy Minister & Vice-Presidential Candidate of the former ruling party, NPP”.
It is Dr. Prempeh’s considered view that, opinions may be expressed on decisions by the new government on any matter but same must be done with accuracy, circumspection and decorum.
As a sign of courtesy and good faith, it is thus demanded, that Mr. Simons retracts and apologises to Dr. Prempeh for this wrongful attribution, as same is untrue.
Ghana’s former Energy Minister and 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) Vice Presidential Candidate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has stated emphatically that addressing the sustainability of our planet is not an option but rather an obligation.
“If we (Africans) are to create a future where our children and, in fact, generations yet unborn can thrive, we must embrace political leadership that champions sustainability in all sectors,” he said.
Dr.Mathew Opoku Prempeh aka Napo
He indicated that having served as a legislator in Ghana’s Parliament for 16 years and as Ghana’s Minister of Education and Energy, he was humbled to say that he had witnessed firsthand the delicate balance Africa must strike
between development and our sustainability challenge. “I dare say that … it will take us a very long time to address our sustainability challenges as a continent,” he added.
Dr. Prempeh, who is popularly known in the political space as Napo, revealed that the world’s population is expected to reach nearly 10 billion people by 2050. “Picture a world where our children breathe clean air, drink clean water, and inherit a planet with biodiversity. This is the promise of sustainability, a promise increasingly threatened by the challenges we face today,” he pointed out.
“Critical questions have arisen as the African continent transitions beyond the SDGs and their once-far-away deadlines. With the understanding that many of our goals are yet to be achieved and challenges yet to be resolved, how can we achieve balance and harmony for our ecosystems and who will lead the way?” he asked rhetorically.
According to him, just last year, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report painted a dark picture of our world. Extreme weather events, ranging from devastating floods and fires to scorching heat waves, are becoming the new normal. “The World Wildlife Fund estimates that we have lost nearly 70% of the planet’s vertebrate populations in the last 50 years,” he added.
The former Energy Minister made these comments in Kenya when he delivered a keynote speech at the Alliance for Science, Global Consortium: The Future of Science Communication, which was on the topic: “The Sustainability Challenge for Africa”.
He said, “Political actors are the drivers of sustainable development. The public sector is characterised by the public services which are offered by the government. By doing this, the government becomes responsible for the social and economic development of a country, region, or locality. Political actors themselves, at the core of their work, understand sustainability as they operate in most countries within four-year cycles. Every four years, they are held accountable by their constituents to account for how they have represented and furthered the socio-economic development of that region.”
“Once again, I am of the firm belief that the convening of technocratic and political actors in collaborative forums such as this organised by the Alliance for Science are the core drivers of true sustainability.
Yes, we need political champions to promote sustainability! But beyond that, we also need citizens, businesses, and institutions to hold leaders accountable. Political champions alone cannot drive change—we must all demand sustainable policies, participate in green initiatives and make responsible choices in our daily lives,” he stressed.
“As I conclude, let us remember that leadership is not only about the present; it is also about securing the future. Let us support, elect, and encourage leaders who prioritise sustainability. Let us make sustainability a permanent part of our national and global discourse,” he added.
Alliance for Science, Global Consortium: The Future of Science Communication
Keynote Speech- Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (Day 1)
Topic: The Sustainability Challenge for Africa
INTRODUCTION
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, fellow Africans,
It is an honor to address this gathering on a topic that defines our continent’s present reality and our desired future: The Sustainability Challenge for Africa.
Dr.Mathew Opoku Prempeh aka Napo making presentation at the conference
I applaud the Alliance for Science Global Consortium for putting together this event, which brings together like-minded experts with diverse perspectives to dialogue on this all-important subject.
I view the sustainability challenge for Africa as an urgent need for Africa to achieve economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection while ensuring that the progress we make today does NOT come at the expense of the quality of life for our future generations.
To better understand the nature of Africa’s sustainability challenge, I ask two questions:
First, how do we achieve sustainable socio-economic growth and lift millions out of poverty while preserving our natural endowments for future generations.
And second, do political leaders have any role to play in addressing the challenge?
……Having served as a legislator in Ghana’s Parliament for 16 years and as Ghana’s Minister for Education and Energy, I am humbled to say that I have witnessed firsthand the delicate balance Africa must strike
between development and our sustainability challenge.
I dare say without informed political leaders it will take us a very long time to address our sustainability challenges as a continent.
The world’s population is expected to reach nearly 10 billion people by 2050; Picture a world where our children breathe clean air, drink clean water, and inherit a planet with biodiversity. This is the promise of sustainability, a promise increasingly threatened by thec hallenges we face today.
Dr.Mathew Opoku Prempeh
Critical questions have arisen as the African continent transitions beyond the SDGs and their once-far-away deadlines. With the understanding that many of our goals have yet to be achieved and challenges yet to be resolved, how can we achieve balance and harmony for our ecosystems and who will lead the way?
Just last year, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report painted a stark picture of our world; Extreme weather events ranging from devastating floods and fires to scorching heatwaves are becoming the new normal. The World Wildlife Fund
estimates that we have lost nearly 70% of the planet’s vertebrate populations in the last 50 years.
These aren’t just statistics; they are a clarion call for action.
Sustainability Challenges in Africa include:
Climate Change: Africa is highly vulnerable to climate change with rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events threatening agriculture, water resources, and human settlements.
Environmental Degradation: Widespread Deforestation, land degradation, and pollution affect biodiversity, soil health, and water quality.
Poverty and Inequality: Africa is home to some of the world’s poorest countries, with significant income inequality and limited access to basic services. Limited access to energy, lack of quality education & professional training, and job insecurity exacerbate social and economic disparities. Africa faces significant healthcare challenges, including limited access to quality healthcare, high infant mortality rates, and the burden of infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis
Food and Water Security: Many African countries face water scarcity, leading to limited agricultural productivity, industry, and human consumption.
Economic Growth and Diversification: Many African economies rely heavily on a few primary commodities, making them vulnerable to price fluctuations and limiting economic diversification. Africa’s infrastructure, including roads, energy, and transportation, is often underdeveloped, hindering economic growth and development. Africa has a large and growing youth population, with many facing unemployment, underemployment, or informal employment.
All of this is worsened by:
The Paucity of Political Champions:
Africa is a continent of immense potential. We are home to 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, 65% of its arable land, and some of its largest oil and gas reserves. Yet, we are also the continent most vulnerable to climate change, despite contributing less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This paradox places us at the heart of the global sustainability debate.
THE POLITICAL WILL TO DRIVE SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability, encompassing environmental protection, social equity, and economic viability, is not merely an option but an imperative for our survival and prosperity. While individual actions are crucial, actual systemic change that addresses the scale of the climate challenges we face today requires political will and leadership.
The reality, however, is that sustainability does not happen in a vacuum. It requires political will—the ability to enact policies that may not yield immediate electoral benefits but will serve future generations. It requires leaders who are willing to challenge status quo practices that harm our environment, deplete our natural resources, and hinder human development.
I am of the firm belief that championing sustainability through political figures is imperative. Politicians must be the drivers of sustainability acting as catalysts for change through policy development, public awareness, cross-sector collaboration, and international advocacy.
THE ROLE OF POLITICAL CHAMPIONS
Policy Development and Implementation: Political leaders can establish and enforce policies promoting sustainable development, such as renewable energy targets, agriculture practices, and climate-resilient infrastructure. They translate vision into concrete policies. For instance, Ghana’s Renewable Energy Act, while requiring further implementation, demonstrates the potential for policy frameworks to drive sustainable energy transitions, offering tax incentives and creating a more attractive environment for investment. They secure funding for sustainability programs, ensuring their effective implementation.
Legislative Power: Political leaders have the authority to enact and enforce laws that promote sustainability. Without legal backing, sustainability remains a mere ambition rather than an actionable framework.
Resource Allocation: Governments control budgets and can prioritize funding for renewable energy, education, healthcare, and environmental conservation.
Visionary Leadership: They articulate a compelling vision of a sustainable future, inspiring hope and mobilizing action. Think of Nelson Mandela’s vision of a unified South Africa, which included environmental justice as a core component. They communicate this vision effectively, engaging the public and building consensus.
International Cooperation & Advocacy: African leaders can engage in global forums, such as the United Nations, to advocate for climate action, sustainable development, and international cooperation. They negotiate and implement international agreements, ensuring collective action on global challenges like climate change
National and Local Implementation: Political champions can ensure effective implementation of sustainability policies and programs at national and local levels.
Public Awareness and Education: Leaders can raise public awareness about sustainability challenges and promote education, training, and capacity-building programs. They raise awareness about sustainability issues, educating citizens about the importance of sustainable practices. They engage communities in sustainability initiatives, empowering them to become agents of change. For example, the late Wangari Maathai’s Green Belt Movement in Kenya not only planted millions of trees but also empowered women and communities to take ownership of their environment.
Cross-Sector Collaboration: They bridge the gap between government, businesses, and civil society, fostering partnerships for sustainable development. They create platforms for
dialogue and collaboration, breaking down silos and promoting integrated approaches.
EXAMPLES OF POLITICAL CHAMPIONS IN AFRICA
*President Macky Sall (Senegal)*: Championed renewable energy development and climate resilience in Senegal.
*President Nana Akufo-Addo (Ghana)*: Launched initiatives to promote sustainable agriculture, reforestation, and climate action.
*President Paul Kagame (Rwanda)*: Implemented policies to promote sustainable development, including renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green infrastructure.
*Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew (Singapore)*: Who transformed Singapore into a global leader in urban sustainability and environmental management through initiative drives such as the NEWater project, which recycles treated wastewater into clean drinking water for both domestic and industrial use.
Sustainability—whether in energy, education, healthcare, or governance—is not a mere buzzword; it is the foundation upon which we must build a fair, equitable, and prosperous future for all. Sustainability is about ensuring that future generations inherit a world better than we found it.
The opportunities available in sustainable development include:
*Renewable Energy*: Africa has vast renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, and hydro power, which can help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change.
*Agricultural Development*: Africa has significant agricultural potential, with opportunities for sustainable agriculture practices, increased productivity, and improved food security.
*Innovation and Technology*: Africa is experiencing a surge in innovation and technology, with opportunities for entrepreneurship, job creation, and sustainable development.
Addressing these sustainability opportunities will require a collaborative effort from governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals across Africa and globally.
As a trained Medical Doctor and a former Minister of both Education and Energy in Ghana, I have seen firsthand how policies and collaborative efforts can make or break the vision of sustainability.
In recent years, Ghana has made great strides in energy sustainability. Ghana saw massive investments in renewable energy initiatives and natural gas utilization, which has set the stage for the reduction of our reliance on thermal energy sources. This has been encapsulated in our energy transition framework, which provides a clear blueprint for achieving net zero by 2060. The move to prioritize clean energy and energy efficiency is a testament to the role of strong political leadership in advancing sustainability.
CONCLUSION: THE CALL TO ACTION
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, addressing the sustainability of our planet is not an option—it is an obligation. If we are to create a future where our children and, in fact, generations yet unborn thrive, we must embrace political leadership that champions sustainability in all sectors.
Political actors are the drivers of sustainable development. The public sector is characterized by the public services which are offered by the government. By doing this, the government becomes responsible for the social and economic development of a country, region, or locality. Political actors themselves, at the core of their work, understand sustainability as they operate in most countries within 4-year cycles. Every 4 years, they are held accountable by their constituents to account for how they have represented and furthered the socio-economic development of that region.
Once again, I am of the firm belief that the convening of technocratic and political actors in collaborative forums such as this put on by the Alliance for Science are the core drivers of true sustainability.
Yes, we need political champions to promote sustainability! But beyond that, we also need citizens, businesses, and institutions to hold leaders accountable. Political champions alone cannot drive change—we must all demand sustainable policies, participate in green initiatives, and make responsible choices in our daily lives.
As I conclude, let us remember that leadership is not only about the present; it is about securing the future. Let us support, elect, and encourage leaders who prioritize sustainability. Let us make sustainability a permanent part of our national and global discourse
I thank you for your attention and may we all be champions of sustainability in our own unique ways!
The Executive Director of the Institute for Energy Security (IES), Nana Amoasi VII, has warned that Ghana’s ongoing power outages, known as dumsor, will persist until the end of the year unless critical issues in the energy sector are addressed.
His comments follow reports of widespread intermittent power supply, raising concerns over the stability of the national electricity grid.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Friday, February 21, 2025, Nana Amoasi VII attributed the crisis to inefficiencies within the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), ageing infrastructure, and financial constraints affecting key energy sector players.
He emphasized that Ghana’s power generation capacity is critically low, with demand frequently matching or exceeding supply. He also noted that power plants are often unavailable due to fuel shortages or forced maintenance shutdowns, further straining electricity distribution
“Until the ECG fixes its inefficiency, collects enough of the revenue, and ensures that each participant within the energy sector gets a fair share of the revenue, we will continue to have this challenge. This is because it will be difficult for the transmitter, GRIDCo, to invest in its ageing infrastructure, and even with ECG and its infrastructure, it is suffering.
“It will be difficult for the power generator, be it public or private, to generate power because they also need to make some input into the power generation. There will be difficulty for WAPCo to continue supplying the natural gas. So, we are in a very uncomfortable state.
“We know very well that we have these challenges, and until we address the inefficiencies in the ECG, I am sorry to say again that we will see dumsor till the end of the year,” he stated.
The crisis has been further compounded by the government’s inability to settle a $75 million debt owed to N-Gas Limited, which supplies gas to Ghana through the West Africa Gas Pipeline.
During a visit to the pipeline undergoing scheduled maintenance, Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, urged the public to bear with the government as it works to resolve the supply disruptions.
He cited the country’s lack of spare capacity as a major factor contributing to the ongoing power challenges.
The Energy Minister, John Jinapor, has dismissed reports suggesting that the government is planning to sell state-power distributor, Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a working visit to the West African Gas Pipeline Company Station in Tema, Jinapor insisted such claims are entirely false, emphasizing that while ECG will not be sold, the government is seeking private sector participation to enhance efficiency and financial sustainability.
Mr.John Jinapor
“The news items, the publication and the commentary by some people who should know better that we are selling ECG. It’s not true; it will not be sold, but we want some private sector participation to bring about the high level of efficiency, reduce the losses, increase the revenue base so that we can pay for some of these bills we are talking about,” Mr. Jinapor stated.
The Minister further elaborated on the financial strain caused by inefficiencies in the energy sector. He lamented that resources meant for development projects are being redirected to settle debts owed to energy suppliers, such as the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) and N-Gas.
“The Minister of Finance under normal circumstances should not be taking the taxpayers’ money which could have been used for other development projects to pay WAPCo. But today we have to squeeze and take money from the budget to pay N-Gas for this $75 million. That could have been used for other developmental projects such as roads, hospitals and other infrastructure projects,” he noted.
Mr. Jinapor reiterated the government’s commitment to improving ECG’s performance by involving the private sector to ensure efficiency, reduce financial losses, and increase revenue.
The debate over the future of ECG comes at a time when the country is facing challenges in the energy sector, with concerns over debts and financial viability. The government maintains that reforms are necessary to sustain the sector without compromising public interest.By:Jonathan Adjei
The government has assured the public that it has secured adequate fuel supplies to sustain power generation, despite reports of intermittent outages, commonly referred to as dumsor, in some parts of the country.
Addressing a press briefing on Thursday, February 20, Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, acknowledged the recent power cuts but emphasized that measures have been put in place to maintain a stable and reliable energy supply.
He further stated that Energy Minister John Jinapor is closely monitoring the situation and will engage the public in the coming days to provide updates and address any concerns regarding the outages.
“I can say that the energy minister is aware of the situation and in the coming days he will engage the public. But the threats that we faced at the very onset of this government, which is related to the closure of the West Africa Gas Pipeline and the failure of the previous government to meet its obligation in providing fuel for thermal power generation were averted.
“The government has brought an adequate supply of fuel. But it is important from time to time to engage the public and address the concerns that they may have when it comes to the power situation,” he stated..Source:Akosua Otchere
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Ghana’s former Energy Minister, is expected to deliver a thought-provoking speech at the upcoming ‘Future of Science Communication Conference’.
The top international programme will have Dr. Prempeh, affectionately called ‘Napo’, as the keynote speaker. It will take place in Kenya’s beautiful capital city of Nairobi from February 25-26, 2025.
Napo, who was the Vice Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the 2024 presidential elections, will address his audience on the topic ‘The Sustainability Challenge for Africa’.
The event, which will be well attended, is being organized by the Alliance for Science Global Consortium, which is made up of Michigan State University, Alliance for Science, and Farming Future Bangladesh.
Napo, as a reminder, has delivered powerful statements at similar top-notch international programmes across the globe in the past. In 2024, he addressed students of University of Memphis in the United States (US), among others.
Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene ,has given illegal miners (galamseyers)a two-week ultimatum to vacate water bodies and forest reserves, reaffirming the government’s commitment to tackling the menace.
According to the Minister, the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council will deploy a team to enforce the directive and halt mining activities in these protected areas.
Speaking at his maiden media briefing after assuming office, Dr. Amoakohene outlined key measures to combat illegal mining and ensure strict compliance with environmental regulations.
Dr. Frank Amoakohene
“The President [John Dramani Mahama] has issued a directive that anyone in the forest reserves mining should vacate those places. We’re giving them up to two weeks if you are mining within forest reserves and if you don’t want to be on the other side of the law, you have two weeks to vacate or leave those places.
The other area has to do with water bodies, so we’re giving them two weeks, if you have any investment whatsoever and you are on water bodies polluting them and destroying our water bodies, you have two weeks to leave the space. We will send out a team to ensure normalcy and restore order within the mining sector.”
Dr Amoakohene has also identified a total of 618 stalled infrastructural projects across the region and assured of working to get them completed.By:Hafiz Tijani
