Ghana must build nuclear talent, not just reactors – Lands Minister

Ghana's nuclear energy plans must focus on building a skilled workforce, not just constructing reactors, according to Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah. Speaking at the US-Africa Nuclear Summit, Buah emphasized that Africa's young population provides a unique opportunity to develop the human capital necessary for the global nuclear industry.

He stressed that the nuclear program is not just about reactors, but about people. Buah warned that Ghana cannot build nuclear infrastructure today and expect to find experts to operate and regulate it tomorrow. He argued that Africa must simultaneously develop both the physical infrastructure and the professionals needed to maintain it.

Recognizing Africa's demographic advantage, Buah highlighted that by 2050, the continent will still have one of the world's youngest populations. He called for increased investment in STEM education, universities, research institutions, and postgraduate training to develop the necessary expertise. Buah also highlighted the importance of involving African professionals living and working abroad in Ghana's nuclear development.

He urged governments and institutions to create mechanisms for the diaspora's expertise to flow back into Africa. Buah proposed a shift in perspective from viewing brain drain as a problem to creating systems that facilitate the exchange of knowledge and opportunities between Africa and its diaspora. He stressed that international partnerships in Africa's nuclear development should ultimately lead to increased capacity and self-sufficiency.

Buah suggested the creation of an African nuclear talent and diaspora network to foster collaboration between governments, universities, technical institutions, regulators, industry, and development partners. He argued that interconnected talent ecosystems would yield greater results than isolated nuclear programs.