NRA intensifies awareness creation on nuclear energy
By:Isaac Amoah (Email: isaacamoah73@yahoo.com)
A day’s training programme has been held for media practitioners in the northern zone.
The programme was aimed at equipping media practitioners with foundational knowledge about nuclear energy, including small modular rectors (SMRs), to enhance their capacity for accurate, responsible and informed reporting on Ghana’s nuclear power programme and the work of the regulator.
Group photograph of the participants
The NRA is collaborating with the following institutions on this project through some representatives: US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, University of Ghana, Arte and Communications, Ghana Statistical Service, GJA and NRA Media Corps.
The participants were drawn from the Ashanti, Bono East, Oti , Savannah, Northern, Upper East, Upper West and the Northern regions.
The expected outcome of the workshop is to raise awareness amongst media practitioners on how to regulate the various types of nuclear technologies for electricity generation, including SMRs, to leverage the media for nuclear regulatory communications and awareness creation, as well as to build trust.
The Director of the Radiological & Non-Ionizing Installation at the NRA, Prof. Augustine Faanu, called on the support of the media practitioners to partner with the Authority and all relevant stakeholders to help achieve their objectives.
According to him, the doors of the Authority are widely opened for information as part of its commitment to involve all stakeholders and the populace in the nuclear energy installation plans.
He said the theme for the training workshop reflected the commitment of the NRA to strengthen collaboration with journalists in education and informing the society of nuclear energy.
Prof. Faanu underscored the need for accurate, timely and responsible communication since it is critical, especially in the nuclear sector, where public trust and understanding are essential.
“It is important that the regulator clarifies misconceptions and builds a stronger partnership with the media to enhance understanding,” he added.
Dr. Emmanuel Amponsah-Amoako, Director Nuclear Installation Directorate at NRA, in his presentation entitled: ““THE ROLE OF THE NUCLEAR REGULATOR”, stated unequivocally that NRA was seeking the safety of the people. He revealed that NRA was working to effectively oversee the introduction of nuclear power into Ghana’s electrical energy grid, by addressing safety, security and safeguards matters through the institution of an effective regulatory infrastructure.
Besides, the Authority also seeks to inform and involve the public adequately in the oversight of the nuclear installations and looks forward to working with the media to support this endeavour.
Dr. Amoako added, ”NRA appreciates the media participation and stands ready to provide clear, concise and transparent interaction with the public while we embark on this journey of nuclear power together.”
According to him, looking at the current energy situation in the country, nuclear is the best option for reliable and sustainable energy provision for Ghana; hence, all hands must be on deck.
He explained that apart form the installation stage which is costly, it is the cheapest in the world.
Dr. Kelle Barfield of FIRST Programme made a presentation on “Nuclear Energy:Building the Infratucture”.
A media consultant, Mr. Michael Mawugbe, made a presentation on the topic: “Writing impactful nuclear regulatory stories”.
The newly elected Ashanti Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Chairman, who is with Luv/Joy news, Mr. Kofi Adu Domfeh, also spoke on the topic: “Reporting Science Technology Innovations (ST&I) as… Journalists”.
Some scenes from the ceremony
