The first expert mission to Ghana, in the frame of the CoE project P 60, took place in Accra from 23 to 26 July 2018. The sixteen national participants (including three female participants) were staff of all main stakeholders of safety and security management and users of the radioactive sources. Two experts of the implementing Consortium (ENCO, SCK-CEN, and STUK) were also present at this mission.
The objectives were to collect information and assess the status in the areas of interest for the CoE project P 60. The scope of the discussions included legal and regulatory framework, management of the radioactive sources including disused and orphan sources, inventory, accountancy and control of radioactive sources, national response plans in case of radiological incidents, equipment needs for detection and identification of radioactive sources as well as safety and security of storages for radioactive sources.
The Ghana Nuclear Regulatory Authority (GNRA) was newly established by the Nuclear Regulatory Authority Act, 2015. At present, the NRA actively develops the new regulations, procedures and practice which are required to assure compliance with the IAEA standards and international best practice regarding security requirements for radioactive sources. Along with the development of new regulatory documents, NRA is expected to resolve other practical problems, e.g. regulatory inspections and inventory control of mobile radioactive sources used by mining companies at different remote locations, establishment of a reliable import/export control of radioactive sources, verification of security of radioactive sources, etc.
The ENCO experts visited the Nuclear Security Support Centre (NSSC) and assessed available radiation detection and identification equipment. The NSSC provides assistance in training the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) and other stakeholders’ staff in maintenance, calibration and distribution of the radiation detection equipment for NRA inspectors, customs, sea ports and airport staff needs. There are 62 border crossings where the detection of possible illicit trafficking is needed
The visited radioactive waste storage facility is located within the protected area of GAEC and is well protected. The nuclear security of the storage facility was evaluated to assess whether it is in line with new requirements and good practices internationally.
The areas where the support of the P 60 experts in the resolution of nuclear security issues might be needed were discussed and agreed upon.