Assistant Secretary Anna Ganzer Meets with Hon. Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology & Innovation, Ghana

Accra, September 12, 2023

Assistant Secretary for International Security and Nonproliferation, Anna Ganzer, held a crucial meeting today with Honourable Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology & Innovation of Ghana. The meeting follows the official request from the U.S. Embassy in Ghana to discuss ongoing collaborations and the upcoming regional conference under the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program.

Under the FIRST program, Ghana and the United States have been working together to advance Ghana’s nuclear energy program while ensuring it adheres to international standards in nuclear security, safety, and nonproliferation. Over the past year, Ghana has actively participated in various FIRST program initiatives, including workshops and study tours that have significantly bolstered its capacity for implementing a nuclear power program.

One of the key highlights of the discussion was the upcoming regional conference, co-hosted by the U.S. FIRST program and the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC). This two-day in-person event, scheduled for September 13th to 14th, 2023, in Accra, Ghana, will bring together officials from Sub-Saharan Africa. The conference will center on civil nuclear energy, with a particular focus on small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors. It aims to explore the role of nuclear energy in meeting clean energy needs, addressing climate goals, and ensuring safety and security.

During the meeting, Minister Kwaku Afriyie reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear technology and highlighted the progress made in transitioning to phase 2 of the nuclear program. He emphasized the significance of ongoing collaboration with the United States and GAEC in realizing Ghana’s nuclear energy aspirations.

Ghana is currently evaluating various vendor technologies, including U.S. technology, as part of its nuclear program development. The Minister underscored the importance of this assessment in selecting the technology and vendor that aligns with Ghana’s long-term goals.

Assistant Secretary Ganzer expressed her appreciation for Ghana’s commitment to the FIRST program and its dedication to sustainable and responsible nuclear energy development. The meeting concluded with a shared sense of optimism for the future of nuclear energy collaboration between the United States and Ghana.