{
  "id": 14160725,
  "title": "Retain skilled scientists to boost nuclear capacity",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/retain-skilled-scientists-to-boost-nuclear-capacity",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-13T08:38:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ghanaian Times",
    "slug": "ghanaian-times",
    "url": "https://ghanaiantimes.com.gh/retain-skilled-scientists-to-boost-nuclear-capacity/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, has emphasized the importance of retaining experienced scientists in Ghana to strengthen the country's capabilities in nuclear science, technology, and other specialized fields. She believes that preserving knowledgeable professionals is essential for sustaining research, guaranteeing public safety, and advancing Ghana's long-term objectives, including the potential development of nuclear power generation.\n\nDuring a working visit to the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA), and the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) in Accra, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings highlighted the lengthy training period required to develop expertise in specialized scientific areas. She stressed that about 15 years of training is typically needed to bring an individual to a productive level in these fields.\n\nThe Minister urged the agencies to engage in discussions with their staff to determine the reasons behind high staff turnover and to establish measures to retain experienced personnel. Additionally, she recommended that GAEC implement safeguards to ensure that artificial intelligence systems utilized in nuclear-related activities remain under human control.\n\nConcerned about possible encroachments on GAEC land, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings called for an audit of the properties belonging to ministries' agencies. She also directed the agencies not to dispose of land or other assets without consulting her, stressing the importance of safeguarding resources necessary for future expansion.\n\nAt the Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings called for more frequent inspections of facilities and activities involving radioactive materials, arguing that the current intervals of one to three years were inadequate due to the potential risks of radiation exposure. She also proposed intensifying public education to help citizens understand the regulatory responsibilities of the Authority and distinguish its work from that of the GAEC.\n\nAt the National Biosafety Authority, the Minister advocated for greater transparency in the adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), recommending clear labeling and public education to enable consumers to make informed choices. She stressed that secrecy creates mistrust and urged the Authority to ensure that non-GMO certification requirements cover products intended for the domestic market, not just those meant for export.",
  "summary": "THE Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has called for measures to retain highly skilled scientists in Ghana to strengthen the country’s capacity in nuclear science, technology and other specialised fields. She said retaining experienced professionals was crucial to sustaining research, ensuring public safety and supporting Ghana’s long-term ambitions,…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}