Environmental and Safety Concerns for Nuclear Power Generation in Ghana

Authors

  • Emmanuel Ampomah-Amoako National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission
  • Edward H. K. Akaho National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission
  • Benjamin J. B. Nyarko National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission
  • Isaac Ennison National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission
  • Henry C. Odoi National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission
  • Rex G. Abrefah National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission
  • Robert B. M. Sogbadji National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomi Energy Commission
  • Sylvester A. Birikorang National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission
  • Innocent J. K. Aboh National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission
  • Kwaku A. Danso National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission
  • Ekua Mensimah National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission
  • Kwame Gyamfi National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission

Keywords:

safety, environment, nuclear power

Abstract

Misconception about nuclear reactor safety has led several nuclear power projects to be abandoned. Safety was taken into consideration even before the first fission chain reaction was initiated. These safety precautions coupled with half a century of experience in nuclear power generation have made nuclear power the best choice for base load electricity generation in several countries across the globe. The storage of nuclear waste has been extensively studied over the years and several opportunities of fuel disposal and treatment have engineered the industrial growth of several countries. Nuclear power production has reduced the carbon emissions of several countries. The history of nuclear reactor safety and the management of nuclear waste are discussed along with the comparison with other sources of electricity to give a clear reason for the promotion of nuclear power programme in Ghana. The experiences of safety practices currently observed at Ghana Research Reactor-1 Centre are also discussed. The effects of nuclear waste as well as their treatment are discussed to indicate the preparedness of nuclear scientists to adequately protect the public from any exposure to radiation from the waste. The international and local regulations that are available for ensuring safe nuclear practice are also discussed.

Author Biographies

Emmanuel Ampomah-Amoako, National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission

Nuclear Engineering and Materials Science Department

Research Scientist

Edward H. K. Akaho, National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission

Nuclear Engineering and Materials Science Department

Chief Scientific Officer

Benjamin J. B. Nyarko, National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission

Nuclear Engineering and Materials Science Department

Principal Scientific Officer

Isaac Ennison, National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission

Nuclear Engineering and Materials Science Department

Scientific Officer

Henry C. Odoi, National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission

Nuclear Engineering and Materials Science Department

Research Scientist

Rex G. Abrefah, National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission

Nuclear Engineering and Materials Science Department

Research Scientist

Robert B. M. Sogbadji, National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomi Energy Commission

Nuclear Engineering and Materials Science Department

Research Scientist

Sylvester A. Birikorang, National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission

Nuclear Engineering and Materials Science Department

Research Scientist

Innocent J. K. Aboh, National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission

Physics Department

Principal Scientific Officer

Kwaku A. Danso, National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission

Nuclear Engineering and Materials Science Department

Principal Scientific Officer

Ekua Mensimah, National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission

Nuclear Engineering and Materials Science Department

Research Scientist

Kwame Gyamfi, National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission

Nuclear Engineering and Materials Science Department

Trainee Research Scientist

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Published

2011-03-18

Issue

Vol. 55 No. 1 (2011)

Section

Experience, reviews, discussions

License

The copyright for the articles in EREM is retained by the author(s) with the first publication right granted to the journal. The authors agree to the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0 agreement under which the paper in the Journal is licensed.