Ghana better without a floating nuclear power plant - Dr Yamoah

The Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG), Dr Steve Yamoah, has dismissed proposals to introduce Russia’s Floating Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP) technology into the country, insisting that it has never been part of Ghana’s nuclear roadmap.

Speaking on the sidelines of a technical workshop, Dr Yamoah mentioned that Ghana must stay focused on its approved nuclear programme, warning that embracing untested alternatives such as the FNPP could derail the country’s ambitions and damage its international credibility.

“Ghana without a nuclear power plant is much better than Ghana with a floating nuclear power plant. The nuclear agenda is not just about electricity. It is about adding value to raw materials, creating jobs, and driving industrial growth,” he noted.

According to him, comprehensive assessments, vendor evaluations, and requests for information conducted by Ghana’s nuclear agencies have never included floating reactor technology.

He emphasised that the FNPP idea appears to be a market-driven attempt to sell electricity at unknown costs rather than a credible project for Ghana.

Dr Yamoah cautioned that pursuing such technology could undermine the country’s reputation within the global nuclear community.

Ghana considers Russian Floating Nuclear Plant for short-to medium-term power needs

“So much is expected of us as a country. If we dilute the agenda, the international community will eventually consider Ghana unserious because we don’t know what we want,” he warned.

Reaffirming NPG’s focus, he explained that the corporation’s nuclear plan is anchored on a land-based reactor that supports electricity supply, industry, knowledge transfer, and technology export.

He admitted financing remains a challenge, but assured that progress is being made to secure funds for the project.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Director in charge of Alternative and Nuclear Energy at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, Dr Robert Mawuko Sogbadji, told Ghanaweb Business on the sidelines of the World Atomic Week celebration that Russia is in talks with Ghana over a possible deployment of three floating power units of 100MW each to help enhance the country’s electricity supply base.

SP/AE

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