The Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) has organized a training session for media professionals from the Northern Zone, covering the Ashanti, Bono East, Oti, Savannah, Northern, Upper East, Upper West, and North East regions.
The training aimed to equip journalists with foundational knowledge of nuclear energy and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), enhancing their capacity for accurate, responsible, and informed reporting on Ghana’s nuclear programme.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Augustine Faanu, Deputy Director-General of the NRA, emphasized the importance of stakeholder trust, respect, and confidence in the Authority’s work.
He highlighted the NRA’s role in protecting humans and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation, underscoring the need for public sensitization on radiation protection.
The training was designed to share the NRA’s experience and insights with media professionals, prioritize misconceptions, and foster a stronger partnership between the NRA and the media. Prof. Faanu noted that accurate, timely, and responsible communication is critical in the nuclear sector, acknowledging the influential role the media play in shaping public perception.
Prof. Emmanuel Apomah-Amoako, Director of Nuclear Installation at the NRA, disclosed that the Authority is developing its capability and competence to effectively regulate, review, and assess submissions from applicants for nuclear or radioactive materials. He highlighted the NRA’s collaborations with international partners, including the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the European Commission, which are supporting various activities, including a project that runs from December 2019 to December 2026.
Prof. Apomah-Amoako addressed concerns about the safety of nuclear energy, noting that while it must be handled with care and appropriately, its benefits far outweigh its risks. He cited the example of countries that have harnessed nuclear energy to generate electricity, emphasizing the need for responsible and informed reporting on the subject.
The training session was facilitated by experts from the NRA, Ghana Statistics Service, US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and other organizations. The NRA’s efforts to engage with the media and promote accurate reporting on nuclear energy issues are crucial in shaping public understanding and perception of the sector.
Source:Ayisah Foster, The Punch Newspaper
