The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) celebrated its 60th anniversary with a grand launch at its auditorium in Kwabenya on July 25, 2024, by establishing the GAEC Development Fund to support research and innovations.

The Fund aims to address funding challenges required to carry out research, update equipment, and provide professional development opportunities for staff.

Director General of GAEC, Professor Samuel Boakye Dampare in his speech highlighted the commission’s milestones and future ambitions under the theme, “60 Years of Impacting Society through Nuclear Science and Technology - Expanding Our Frontiers.”

He noted that since the establishment of GAEC by an Act of Parliament in 1963, the Commission has evolved from a single technical institute to five, diversifying into areas such as radiation protection, biotechnology, nuclear agriculture, and space science.

“We have led Ghana’s quest to improve the country’s electricity generation and energy transition objectives by spearheading and contributing enormously in terms of core human resources and technical know-how in creating the institutional framework that is diligently pursuing Ghana’s nuclear power agenda for national development,” Professor Dampare said.

He outlined some of the commission's financial and technical challenges but emphasized the significant strides made towards advancing nuclear science in Ghana.

He emphasized that GAEC remains committed to contributing to research and development, healthcare, agriculture, energy, infrastructure advancement, education, and training.

Prof. Dampare expressed gratitude to GAEC’s stakeholders, particularly the Government of Ghana and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), for their support.

He also commended the 60th Anniversary Planning Committee for their efforts in organizing the event and called for continued dedication to excellence and innovation in nuclear science.

The Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ophelia Mensah Hayford, urged the Commission to work to expand the frontiers of nuclear science and technology in Ghana and beyond.

She urged all GAEC institutes to continue showcasing their contributions to society and leverage advancements in technology to enhance their work.

MA/AE