Media have Critical Role in Ghana’s Nuclear Energy Evolution – NPG Boss
The Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana, Dr Stephen Yamoah, has expressed the need for the institution to continue to engage media in its ongoing nuclear energy evolution.
According to him, the nuclear power evolution would not succeed without the media contribution to shape the narrative towards the efforts in Ghana’s nuclear drives.
Dr Yamoah made these remarks at the opening ceremony of a three-day training workshop for journalists on the country’s nuclear energy transition organized by NPG in Accra on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.
The workshop was on the themed “Media Support for Ghana’s Nuclear Power Project.”
Dr. Yamoah expressed his gratitude to the media for their pivotal role in facilitating Ghana’s nuclear initiatives, emphasizing that “the media’s contribution has been and continues to be pivotal in the pursuit of a secure, safe, and reliable energy source.”
He said, “Since the inception of Ghana’s nuclear power program in 2007, the media has played a vital role in educating the public, demystifying misconceptions, and fostering a well-informed society.”
“We thank you because, without you, we wouldn’t reach where we are now. Your support helps build public trust by providing transparent and factual information about the project’s progress, safety measures, and regulatory framework,” the NPG Boss added.
He assured that as the country makes progresses to its nuclear power programme, the collaboration between VRA, NPG, media professionals, and international partners would be crucial in successfully transitioning to a sustainable energy system.
On his part, the Executive Director of the Volta River Authority (VRA), Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa, said the contributions of the media in creating public education and awareness on nuclear power remained invaluable to its success
“Ghana aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060, a target that requires the deployment of low-carbon technologies across all sectors.”
“This transition framework is crucial to achieving net-zero targets by mitigating climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come,” he stated.
Mr. Antwi-Darkwa indicated that VRA’s experience with various energy sources, including hydro, thermal, and solar power, uniquely positions it to incorporate nuclear power into Ghana’s energy mix.
“Nuclear power presents a scalable solution to our growing energy needs. It can provide a stable and economical source of electricity for a country with a rapidly growing population,” he noted.
Commenting on the concerns raises about the cost, implementation time, and safety, Mr. Antwi-Darkwa assured that public engagement on the nuclear energy would be highly considered.
He explained that engaging public support is a key component of Ghana’s energy transition, and the role of media professionals is crucial in educating the public and dispelling myths about nuclear power.
The media, he stressed, has the power in shaping public perception and called on journalists to share success stories and educate the public about the benefits of nuclear energy.
“Your role is indispensable. Accurate and well-informed coverage can help overcome misconceptions and build public trust,” he said, citing France as an example where a well-planned media campaign helped build public support for nuclear energy, which now provides 70% of the country’s electricity.
Dr. Yamoah emphasized the need for continuous assessment and improvement of media collaborations. “Having worked together over the years, we must assess our collaboration and identify areas for improvement,” he said.
The participating media professionals were from GNA, GJA, PRINPAG AND GIBA
Source: expressnewsghana.com
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