Share Knowledge on Neclear Energy with Africa to Address Climate change challenges -NRA Boss to Developed Countries

The Acting Director General of Ghana’s Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA), Prof. Francis Otoo, has emphasized the importance of nuclear energy in addressing pressing challenges in Africa, such as energy poverty, climate change, food insecurity, and access to healthcare.

 Speaking at the 66th Annual Meeting of the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management (INMM) in Washington, USA, Prof. Otoo stressed that nuclear energy is not a luxury for Africa, but a necessity.

“For many of us in the Global South, Article IV of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is not a bonus; it is the very heart of the Treaty,” Prof. Otoo said.

“The credibility of the NPT depends on its ability to deliver practical cooperation on peaceful nuclear uses, alongside strong safeguards under Article III.”

Prof. Otoo highlighted the role of peaceful nuclear technologies in advancing sustainable development in Africa.

 Beyond electricity generation, nuclear applications are driving cancer care, food security, clean water management, and industrial innovation.

 The International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) flagship initiatives, such as Rays of Hope and Atoms for Food, are transforming lives in Africa.

“The 2026 NPT Review Conference must show visible progress in expanding such initiatives so that no vital projects are left unfunded,”. Prof. Otoo emphasized.

Building Regulatory Capacity

Addressing concerns about regulatory capacity, Prof. Otoo pointed out that Africa is steadily building robust oversight systems to ensure the safe and secure deployment of nuclear technologies.

 Through the Regulatory Cooperation Forum (RCF) and the Forum of Nuclear Regulatory Bodies in Africa (FNRBA), African regulators are aligning with IAEA standards and preparing for new technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

“With sustained partnerships and peer-to-peer cooperation, the Global South is readying itself not just to use nuclear technology, but to regulate it responsibly,”. Prof. Otoo added.

Call for Balance

Prof. Otoo concluded with a call for balance, emphasizing that the NPT will only remain credible if Articles III and IV move in tandem with strong safeguards matched by real cooperation on peaceful uses.

“The NPT will only remain credible if Articles III and IV move in tandem with strong safeguards matched by real cooperation on peaceful uses,” he said.

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/ Jacob Agyenim Boateng