Ghana’s ambition to add nuclear power to its energy mix faces renewed uncertainty as critical technical studies required for the next stage of the project remain without dedicated funding.
Project officials say the country is currently in Phase Two — the construction readiness stage — but progress cannot continue without completing detailed site characterisation and an environmental impact assessment. These studies are essential to finalising feasibility assessments and transitioning to actual construction.
Dr Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana, explained in an interview in Accra that while operational and administrative budgets from government institutions such as the Volta River Authority and Bui Power Authority are available, funding for the core technical activities has not yet been secured.
He stressed that without these site-specific technical investigations, the project cannot advance beyond its current phase. Procurement of environmental monitoring systems, oceanographic and marine equipment — necessary for plant design data — also hinges on budgetary allocation.
Additionally, a comprehensive grid impact study expected this year will evaluate whether Ghana’s transmission network can accommodate a nuclear plant. The study will assess required upgrades to transmission lines, construction of substations and the installation of safety systems.
Dr Yamoah warned that the funding gap echoes delays experienced in Phase One, which was completed two years behind schedule after late releases for key studies. Prolonged setbacks, he cautioned, could dampen public enthusiasm, strain community relations and weaken political momentum.
Ghana has already made policy commitments to incorporate nuclear energy into its power generation mix to reduce fossil fuel dependence, strengthen energy security and support industrialisation. The country began a competitive vendor selection process after issuing requests for information in 2021 and 2023, narrowing responses from 15 to two final partners following technical evaluations.
Originally initiated in the 1960s before being disrupted by political instability, Ghana’s nuclear programme was revived in 2008 with technical backing from the International Atomic Energy Agency. It remains central to long-term plans to stabilise power supply, offset declining hydro generation and create jobs — but its timeline now depends heavily on resolving the current financing bottleneck.
