Zanetor Campaigns For Nuclear Science

Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology in Ghana, has been advocating for the retention of nuclear scientists and promoting nuclear science and technology careers among students. During her visits to the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), National Biosafety Authority (NBA), and Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA), she emphasized the need to ensure a sufficient supply of skilled personnel to support the sector's growth.

Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings suggested that GAEC train young scientists to replace retiring professionals and that the country should encourage students to explore various scientific disciplines. She proposed that top-performing students from National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) schools be invited to visit these institutions and interact with scientists.

Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings also suggested opening certain parts of GAEC's observatory to the public to enhance understanding of space science and technology. She stressed the importance of making scientific information more accessible and appealing to students and the public. The President of GAEC, Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare, acknowledged the need for increased funding for research and the modernization of the commission's laboratories to meet current scientific demands.

He also raised concerns about unauthorized access to sensitive areas of the commission's land, particularly the radioactive waste management centre. The CEO of NBA, Mr. Kwame Dei Asamoah-Okyere, reported that the institution faced challenges such as inadequate logistics, outdated facilities, and staffing shortages, which hindered its ability to perform regulatory functions and posed potential biosafety risks.

Lastly, the Director General of NRA, Prof. Francis Otoo, thanked the minister for her visit and called for government support in recruiting additional personnel and providing necessary resources to improve operations.