Encroachment poses threat to GAEC, encroachers
The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has cautioned the public against acquiring GAEC lands from encroachers and unauthorised sellers.
It has stated that the encroachment of the lands posed serious safety and security risks to both the facility and surrounding communities, given what the GAEC facilities in the catchment area are meant for.
In a statement issued by the commission and signed by the Director, Commercialisation and Communication Directorate, Anthony Nana Boateng, GAEC said vast portions of its land, designated for the expansion of nuclear facilities, had been encroached by some individuals believed to be politically exposed persons.
The commission said it was increasingly confronted with a surge in encroachments, with activities now dangerously close to the National Nuclear Waste Management Centre.
“This centre houses hazardous radioactive waste, which is managed in strict compliance with the laws of Ghana and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regulations,” GAEC said.
GAEC’s land was legally secured by the government through an Executive Instrument (EI 75) in 1973.
It was designated to facilitate comprehensive nuclear science research to support Ghana’s national development across various sectors.
Encroachment
It observed that unknown individuals had illegally broken barricades securing portions of its land behind the Bohye Police Base Workshop and Ga-East Hospital reserved for facilities to boost agricultural sustainability.
An encroached portion of the land designated for the construction of an Electron Beam Irradiation facility graded by some individuals
It said those individuals had begun grading the areas designated for the construction of an Electron Beam Irradiation Facility along the ‘Bohye’ stretch of GAEC property.
“The facility will support sustainable agriculture and enhance national food security by preserving food, reducing post-harvest losses, and controlling contamination in consumer products.
“Additionally, it will be used for the sterilisation of single-use medical devices, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other essential products,” the statement pointed out.
Surge
GAEC further emphasised the state’s obligation to protect its assets under international legal frameworks, to which Ghana is a signatory.
It said preventing encroachment was crucial for maintaining a safe research environment and ensuring the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology for national development.
Background
Ghana currently holds the prestigious position of Chair of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations agency responsible for promoting the peaceful use of nuclear technology worldwide.
If the land encroachment issue is not addressed swiftly, it could negatively impact Ghana’s international reputation and future opportunities.
The country’s positive reputation and good safety record in operating a research reactor for over 30 years could be eroded.
GAEC has expressed similar concerns over the illegal acquisition of lands surrounding the Ghana Radio Astronomy Observatory (GRAO) at Kuntunse, Ga West Municipality, Greater Accra Region.
Launched in 2017, the GRAO plays a crucial role in global space science, offering a platform for scientists to study the universe.
It supports Ghana’s participation in space research, fostering the development of scientists and engineers.
The land, acquired over 40 years ago to support satellite observation, data collection, research, and training in Space Sciences, has been taken over by private developers, which is now impacting the efficiency of the facility.
Purchased on an Executive Instrument in 1979, the 163 hectares of land was earmarked for the Radio Astronomy Observatory.
However, the land had been reduced to about 30 hectares over the past four decades, which now threatens the future viability of the facility.
