The Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Hon. Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, on Friday, 9th October 2026, continued her familiarisation visits to agencies under the Ministry, calling at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) and the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA).
The visits build on the initial leg of engagements at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the E-Waste Fund Secretariat, and form part of the Minister’s effort to gain deeper insight into the operations, programmes, achievements and challenges of the Ministry’s agencies, while exploring ways to strengthen collaboration and advance Ghana’s science, technology and innovation agenda.
Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC)
The Minister’s first stop was the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, an institution at the forefront of nuclear science, research and technology development in Ghana.
GAEC undertakes scientific research and development in areas including nuclear science, biotechnology, agriculture, radiation protection and medical sciences. Through its research institutes and specialised facilities, the Commission contributes to national development by applying scientific knowledge to address societal needs.
The engagement allowed the Minister to familiarise herself with the Commission’s research activities and to explore opportunities to strengthen the contribution of science and technology to Ghana’s development priorities.
Key Highlights at GAEC:
Research for National Development: The visit focused on the Commission’s work across nuclear science, biotechnology, agriculture, radiation protection and medical sciences.
Strengthening Science’s Contribution: Discussions explored how GAEC’s research and specialised facilities can better support Ghana’s development priorities.
National Biosafety Authority (NBA)
At the National Biosafety Authority, the Minister’s visit focused on the institution’s mandate within Ghana’s biosafety regulatory framework.
The NBA is responsible for regulating activities involving modern biotechnology and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), ensuring that such activities are carried out in accordance with the country’s biosafety requirements.
The engagement offered insight into the Authority’s regulatory responsibilities and its role in promoting the safe application of modern biotechnology — balancing scientific advancement with the protection of human health and the environment.
Key Highlights at NBA:
Regulatory Oversight of Biotechnology: The Minister was briefed on the Authority’s role in regulating modern biotechnology and GMOs in line with national biosafety requirements.
Public Confidence: The visit underscored the importance of institutional collaboration in ensuring that developments in biotechnology are supported by appropriate regulatory oversight and public confidence.
Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA)
The Minister concluded the day’s engagements at the Nuclear Regulatory Authority, the independent body mandated to regulate the civilian use of nuclear and other radioactive materials in Ghana.
The Authority ensures that radiation and nuclear-related activities are conducted safely and in line with applicable regulatory requirements, protecting the public, workers, patients, property and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation.
Key Highlights at NRA:
Safety and Regulatory Mandate: The Minister familiarised herself with the Authority’s role in the safe application of nuclear technology in medicine, industry, agriculture, education and research.
Responsible Use of Technology: The engagement highlighted the importance of effective regulation and safety oversight as Ghana continues to explore opportunities for the responsible use of science and technology.
Strengthening Institutional Collaboration
The familiarisation visits form part of Dr Agyeman-Rawlings’ broader engagements with agencies under the Ministry to better understand their respective mandates and identify opportunities for improved coordination.
Through these engagements, the Ministry seeks to strengthen institutional collaboration, support effective implementation of sector policies and promote the application of science, technology and innovation to Ghana’s development. The visits reaffirm the importance of strong partnerships between the Ministry and its agencies in advancing research, strengthening regulatory systems and ensuring that scientific and technological progress delivers meaningful benefits to the country.
