US Announces Funding Support for Ghana Nuclear Energy Programme

Ann Ganzer, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation, recently announced a significant commitment of $1.75 million in funding from the United States to assist Ghana in becoming a Small Modular Nuclear Reactor (SMR) Regional Training Hub for sub-Saharan Africa. This financial support aims to bolster Ghana’s nuclear workforce development and includes the provision of an SMR control room simulator, partnerships with universities, and academic exchanges. The goal is to position Ghana as a hub for training technicians and operators in nuclear power, adhering to the highest international standards of safety, security, and nonproliferation.

This initiative is part of the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) capacity building program, which Ghana has been involved in since 2022. FIRST supports Ghana’s leadership in the region in adopting SMR technology while maintaining strict international standards for safety, security, and nonproliferation, all while fostering the development of a skilled nuclear workforce.

The United States is dedicated to deepening civil nuclear cooperation with Ghana and supporting its ambition to be at the forefront of nuclear energy in Africa. This commitment includes technical assistance, professional training exchanges, and collaboration on regulatory frameworks. It aligns with the broader U.S. commitment to advancing clean energy technologies for global decarbonization efforts, especially in challenging-to-decarbonize sectors, in pursuit of achieving a net-zero transition.