Ghana would face serious energy problems if...

Accra, Aug.25, GNA- Professor Edward H. K. Akaho, Director-General of the Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), has stated that Ghana would face serious problems of energy availability and supply if she does not introduce nuclear electricity to form part of the energy mix. "As you are aware, no development is possible without reliable access to energy," he said, and called for parliamentary support for the ratification of the relevant national legal and international instruments which are needed to build confidence in Ghana's nuclear programme.

Professor Akaho who was addressing members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Environment after a tour of GAEC's facility, said the Commission was collaborating with the Energy Commission, to generate electricity in the long term.

He also said the Commission was still awaiting parliamentary approval to secure funds for the upgrading of the existing Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine units in Korle-bu and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals.

Prof. Akaho explained that in cooperation with IAEA, GAEC facilitated a loan of 13 million US dollars from OPEC and BADEA and was also negotiating with IAEA to secure an additional nine million US dollars from Islamic Bank for the establishment of a third centre at Tamale Teaching Hospital.

He noted that the availability of talented and qualified human resource will ultimately constitute the basis for sustainability and growth of non-power and power applications of nuclear science and technology in Ghana.

He said the continuous support of parliament was needed for the development of GAEC's nuclear postgraduate educational institution, Graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, which had been successfully audited by IAEA experts to be a Regional Designated Centre for Professional and Higher Education for African Member States of IAEA.

Prof. Akaho said currently the Commission was concerned with the establishment of institutional capacity for scientific research and education, and have laboratories dedicated for research into human health, agriculture, industry and environment.

He stated that the current global cancer crisis calls for immediate action, as it had been estimated that the disease would claim more than 100 million people by the year 2020, with the majority being in lower and middle-income countries such as Ghana.

'As of now, cancer kills more people than malaria, HIV/AIDS and TB combined," he said.

He said Ghana needs to build a national cancer control programme and develop expertise in radiation medicine and technology for cancer prevention, early detection and treatment. 25 Aug 09.