Report By: Ishmael Barfi
A former government official, Mr. Solomon Appiah has sounded the alarm on Ghana’s nuclear energy ambitions, warning of the devastating consequences of nuclear waste and accidents.
According to the former Municipal Chief Executive of Adentan Municipal Assembly, Ghana’s nuclear energy plans pose a significant threat to the environment, human health, and future generations.
The official emphasized that the issue transcends politics and urged the government to reconsider its nuclear energy policy.
The former MCE, Mr. Solomon Appiah, expressed his worries at a press briefing organized by the Nuclear Free Ghana Partners Network on Thursday, 23rd January 2025 in Accra.
Mr. Solomon Appiah
The Nuclear Free Ghana Partners Network consists of partners from South Africa, Zambia, Russia, Germany, Kenya, and Egypt, sharing their experiences on nuclear energy and exploring Ghana’s energy landscape.
The partners present at the press briefing were from 360 Human Rights, Strategic Youth Network for Development (SYND), Earthlife Africa, Southern African Faith Communities Environmental Institute, CGJEA, Ecodefense, and The Young African Activist Network.
According to Mr. Appiah who is currently working with 360 Human Rights, a Civil Society Organisation in the nuclear energy sector pointed to the examples of Germany, Belgium, and Spain, which have abandoned nuclear energy due to its risks and costs. Ghana, the official argued, should instead focus on renewable energy sources like solar power, which can provide decentralized and sustainable energy solutions.
On her part, Alberta Kpeleku, Solomon Appiah, Bethel Okyere Baffour, 360 Human Rights explained that, “We are here to shed light on the often-overlooked consequences of nuclear energy, especially with reference to nuclear waste.
“From environmental disasters to health risks and economic concerns, it’s time to reevaluate our reliance on nuclear power,ahe reiterated.
According to her, the impacts on the environment include nuclear accidents, radioactive waste, and contamination.
And health risks include cancer, genetic damage, kidney disease, and other related conditions caused by radiation exposure. Additionally, there are security threats, such as nuclear proliferation, terrorism, and cybersecurity risks.
“The gravamen of our case is that the devastating effects of nuclear accidents do not affect the present generation alone but also generations yet unborn”, Alberta Kpeleku bemoaned.
However, she outlined some alternatives and solutions for nuclear energy including renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal.
These she noted should be prioritised whiles energy efficiency and conservation measures should be implemented, along with nuclear phase-out and decommissioning plans.
“There should be a call to action involving demands for policy changes, support for renewable energy investment and research, and finally, the intensification of public awareness and education campaigns.” she stressed
Taking his turn to speak,Chibeze Ezekiel, Goldman Prize recipient for Africa 2020, and Executive Cordinator for SYND reiterated that “SYND Ghana stands in solidarity with the position against the exploitation of nuclear energy in Ghana.
“We strongly advocate for prioritising the exploration and use of the vast renewable energy (RE) resources available to the country”, he advocated.
Adding “We believe nuclear energy comes with significant challenges, particularly in waste management, an area where Ghana is already struggling. The potential environmental and health risks associated with nuclear waste demand a level of preparedness that Ghana currently lacks”.
Chibeze Ezekiel, Executive Coordinator-SYND
“Additionally, the value chain required to fully harness nuclear energy is not adequately developed in Ghana. This raises further concerns about the country’s capacity to manage and benefit from such a complex technology”, Mr. Ezekiel noted.
Therefore “We align with SAFCEI’s perspective that nuclear energy is a technology of the past. Ghana’s focus should be on tapping into the abundant and safer potential of renewable energy, which offers a sustainable path for addressing the country’s energy needs while safeguarding our environment and future.”
Ghana has already made significant progress in its nuclear energy plans, so the official’s concerns have sparked a necessary debate about the country’s energy future. As Ghana weighs its options, Mr. Solomon Appiah’s warning serves as a timely reminder of the need for caution and careful consideration.
Weighing in on the issue, international expert Vladimir Slivyak, Co-Chair of Russian Environmental Group Ecodefense, warned that nuclear power is “expensive, slow, and dangerous” and vulnerable to climate change and war.
He emphasized that renewable energy is a safer and cheaper alternative, particularly in Africa where its potential is vast.
On his part, Chansa Memory Kaluba from The Young African Activist Network echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of environmentally friendly and life-conscious choices for a just transition to low-carbon economic development.
Despite these concerns, Ghana is moving forward with its nuclear energy plans. To develop its nuclear power program, the country has signed multiple agreements with key nuclear countries, including China, the US, and France.
However, experts question the feasibility of Ghana’s nuclear ambitions, citing concerns over the country’s grid size and infrastructure. Mycle Schneider, project coordinator at the World Nuclear Industry Status Report, noted that Ghana’s grid is too small to support a large nuclear reactor.
As Ghana navigates its nuclear energy path, it must carefully consider the concerns raised by international experts and activists. The country’s commitment to sustainable development, energy security, and combating climate change is commendable, but it must ensure that its nuclear energy program is safe, secure, and environmentally responsible.
International experts’ and activists’ concerns add to the growing debate about Ghana’s nuclear energy plans. As the country moves forward, it must prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens and the environment.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
