Atomic Energy Commission launches 60th anniversary
The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has launched its 60th anniversary with a renewed pledge to explore new frontiers and develop solutions to address the 21st Century challenges such as climate change, energy security and public health.
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The 60th anniversary is on the theme: “60 Years of Impacting Society through Nuclear Science and Technology - Expanding our Frontiers.”
Activities lined up for the celebration include a Public Lecture on Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, GAEC Malaria Awareness Campaign, and Symposium on Global Health, among others.
The celebration will also feature the launch of the GAEC Development Fund aimed at raising funds for research, innovation and development.
The Board Chairman of GAEC, Dr Kwaku Aning, said the Commission was uniquely positioned to address those challenges, leveraging its expertise and experience to drive scientific progress and foster sustainable development.
“GAEC's 60th anniversary is not only a celebration of its past achievements but also a reaffirmation of its commitment to the future,” he said.
He said the Commission would continue to promote a culture of innovation, integrity and collaboration, exploring new frontiers and developing solutions that were meaningful in and out of society.
Support
The Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Ophelia Mensah Hayford, pledged the government’s commitment to increase support for GAEC to help expand the frontiers of nuclear science and technology in the country.
“Let me emphasise that this government, through MESTI, remains committed to increasing support for GAEC,” she said.
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Ms Hayford added that government’s increased support would enable GAEC to continue pushing boundaries, exploring new horizons and leveraging emerging technologies. .
She stated that with this support, GAEC would be equipped to make even greater impact in Ghana and beyond, driving innovation and growth in nuclear science and technology.
The minister highlighted GAEC’s remarkable achievements in various fields, including enhancement of food security and productivity through improved planting materials and farming practices, establishing radiotherapy and nuclear medicine centres, saving countless lives and developing nuclear power infrastructure to ensure energy security and sustainability.
Achievement
The Director-General of GAEC, Professor Samuel Boakye Dampare, also reflected on his outfit’s achievements, which included converting the fuel core of the GAEC 1 from high-energy uranium to low-energy uranium in 2017, established radiotherapy and nuclear medicine facilities for cancer treatment, Improved food crops through biotechnology, and spearheaded Ghana’s nuclear power agenda.
He added that some challenges faced by GAEC included lack of funds to carry out research, outdated equipment due to technological advances and limited opportunities for post-employment professional development
He added that GAEC would showcase its contributions to society and adopt new technologies to improve its work quality and output, leading to greater efficiency and progress.