{
  "id": 17978957,
  "title": "ASEC backs Ghana’s 2,000mw nuclear power plan, urges stronger maintenance culture",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/asec-backs-ghanas-2-000mw-nuclear-power-plan-urges-stronger",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-03T14:17:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/asec-backs-ghanas-2000mw-nuclear-power-plan-urges-stronger-maintenance-culture/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Africa Sustainable Energy Centre (ASEC) has expressed support for Ghana's plan to develop a 2,000-megawatt nuclear power plant, in coordination with Russia, as outlined by President John Mahama during his recent visit. This ambitious project is seen as a means to enhance energy security, diversify electricity generation, and stimulate industrialization. ASEC's Executive Director, Ing. Justice Ohene-Akoto, believes that nuclear power could serve as a reliable electricity source to supplement existing hydroelectric and thermal generation. However, he stresses that nuclear power should be a complementary element to Ghana’s renewable energy objectives and not a replacement for them. Ohene-Akoto emphasizes that a robust energy diversification strategy must be adopted, incorporating solar, wind, and battery storage technologies to build a resilient and sustainable electricity system. ASEC is also advocating for a stronger maintenance culture within Ghana’s energy infrastructure before proceeding with the nuclear project. The Centre warns that Ghana must transition from reactive maintenance to preventive and predictive systems, backed by adequate funding, skilled personnel, and institutional accountability. Ohene-Akoto underscores the need for Ghana to elevate its maintenance standards to operate a world-class nuclear power facility. In addition to nuclear ambitions, ASEC calls for enhanced maintenance practices across generation facilities, transmission networks, substations, and distribution infrastructure to improve reliability. The Centre urges the government to adopt independent nuclear regulation, adhere to International Atomic Energy Agency standards, prioritize emergency preparedness, and ensure comprehensive radioactive waste management. It also seeks transparent financing and procurement procedures, an evaluation of the project's long-term cost, and reinforcement of transmission infrastructure to accommodate the additional generation capacity. ASEC recognizes that Ghana's nuclear ambition can contribute to energy security and technological advancement. Nonetheless, Ohene-Akoto stresses that safety, maintenance culture, renewable energy development, and national economic interests must remain non-negotiable. The Centre encourages the government to craft an integrated energy roadmap that balances nuclear and renewable energy investments while prioritizing safety, local capacity development, and long-term sustainability.",
  "summary": "The Africa Sustainable Energy Centre (ASEC) has welcomed Ghana’s reported cooperation with Russia to develop a 2,000-megawatt nuclear power plant following President John Mahama’s recent visit to the country. The Centre says the proposed facility could strengthen energy security, diversify electricity generation and support industrialisation. ASEC Executive Director, Ing. Justice Ohene-Akoto,…",
  "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."
}