Rosatom highlights benefits of nuclear science and technologies for Ghana

The State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom hosted a practical seminar on nuclear energy and benefits of nuclear science and technologies development for Ghana.

The event was attended by Dr. Robert Bright Muwaka Sogbadji, The Deputy Director of Nuclear and Alternative Energy at the Ministry of Energy of Ghana, and experts and top-managers of Rosatom, as well as state and private media.

During the event representatives of Rosatom showcased lectures on nuclear energy and technology basics, while delving into differences between nuclear research facilities and power plants.

The Ghanaian participants found explanations quite helpful, Ms. Evelyne Kanyoke from Business & Financial Times said: “Earlier this year, I was a part of a press trip to Sochi, Russia, to attend AtomExpo, the largest congress and exhibition event of the nuclear industry, where I have gained a deeper understanding of nuclear. It is not about destruction as many here perceive, it’s safe. And in future, the development of nuclear is capable of improving the quality of education, creating new highly-paid jobs and the emergence of new specialists”.

During his welcome address, Dmitri Shornikov, CEO at Rusatom Central and Southern Africa, noted that after more than five decades, Ghana is getting ready to become third African country that generates its electricity from nuclear power. “Nuclear provides the world with clean, safe, affordable energy and innovations. I am proud to say that in fact nuclear contributes substantially to the sustainable development of society: it improves people’s lives, creates new opportunities and protects the environment” he pointed out.

The relationship between Ghana and Russia extend back to 2012 when the Russian State Nuclear Corporation Rosatom and the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Ghana signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in the peaceful use of atomic energy. The memorandum provides for a number of specific areas of the cooperation, including assistance in building up the infrastructure to support nuclear power development in the Republic of Ghana.

Dr. Robert Bright Muwaka Sogbadji, The Deputy Director of Nuclear and Alternative Energy at the Ministry of Energy of Ghana, says: “All industrially developed countries rely on cheap power supply to make these industries profitable and globally competitive. Ghana should, therefore, opt for Nuclear Energy because it deepens diversification of present generation mix. reduces natural greenhouse emission, reduces detrimental environmental impact, and is cost effective”.

During the practical seminar, Ghanaian specialists also gained knowledge about Rosatom’s educational activities like lectures, bursaries for bachelor’s and master’s degrees in top Russian universities and many others, envisaged for upcoming years.

Currently, there are 6 Ghanaian students studying in Russia and there are 5 more destined to go to Russia in September this year.