US Ambassador to Ghana Virginia Palmer, delivering her Speech
In a landmark moment for nuclear energy development in Africa, Ghana proudly inaugurated the first NuScale Power Energy Exploration (E2) Center in Sub-Saharan Africa on January 16, 2025. The state-of-the-art facility, housed at the School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences in Accra, represents a significant milestone in the growing partnership between Ghana and the United States in advancing nuclear technology education and training.
The launch event, which began at 9:30 AM, brought together an impressive assembly of dignitaries from both nations. U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia E. Palmer, joined forces with key Ghanaian officials, including Rev. Dr. Patrick Nomo, Chief Director of the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, to officially inaugurate this groundbreaking facility. The ceremony was masterfully conducted by renowned broadcaster Israel Laryea, who served as the Master of Ceremonies.
The gathering witnessed the presence of distinguished leaders in Ghana’s nuclear and academic sectors, including Former Minister Professor Frimpong Manso, Professor Samuel Boakye Dampare, and Professor Benjamin J.B. Nyarko. Notable attendees also included Professor Edward K. Akaho, Former Director General of GAEC, and Dr. Nii Kwashie Allotey, Director General of the Nuclear Regulatory Authority, among other prominent figures from Ghana’s energy and governmental sectors.
In her keynote address, Ambassador Palmer emphasized the transformative potential of the E2 Center. “This state-of-the-art facility is not just an infrastructure achievement; it is a symbol of our commitment to energy security, sustainability, and the future of nuclear energy in Africa,” she declared. Her words highlighted the crucial role of reliable energy access in driving economic progress and development.
The E2 Center stands as a testament to international collaboration, supported by the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program. This initiative, announced by Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation Senior Bureau Official Ann Ganzer at the 2023 FIRST Africa Regional Conference in Accra, establishes Ghana as a regional hub for SMR training and excellence.
Professor Samuel Boakye Dampare, Director-General of GAEC, emphasized the historical significance of this achievement: “Ghana is the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to host this simulator, which will be crucial for training nuclear power operators and non-licensed personnel. This initiative represents a vital step in our country’s energy future.”
A highlight of the ceremony was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission and the Center for Advanced Small Modular and Microreactors at Texas A&M University, witnessed by Dr. Archibold Buah-Kwofie. This partnership promises to enhance knowledge exchange and advance nuclear education in Ghana.
The E2 Center features cutting-edge computer modeling within a NuScale 12-module small modular reactor control room, providing hands-on training for future African nuclear professionals. The facility will serve as a cornerstone for various educational initiatives, including a nuclear welding certification program and academic exchanges with Texas A&M University.
This development builds upon the solid foundation of U.S.-Ghana cooperation in nuclear energy, which began with the 2021 Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation and was strengthened by the 2022 FIRST partnership. The collaboration extends beyond Ghana, encompassing over 40 countries across five continents, supported by nations including Canada, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.
Dr. Nii Allotey, Director-General of the Nuclear Power Authority, expressed confidence in the effective utilization of the new simulator, while Shaukat Abdulrazak, Director of the Division of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), highlighted the importance of international cooperation in safely deploying Small Modular Reactors.
As the ceremony concluded, it was clear that the launch of the E2 Center represents more than just a new facility – it symbolizes Ghana’s commitment to nuclear energy development and marks a significant step toward achieving energy security in Africa. Through this collaboration between the United States and Ghana, the dream of sustainable, clean energy becomes increasingly tangible for future generations.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony not only inaugurated a new chapter in Ghana’s nuclear energy sector but also reinforced the powerful bonds between nations working toward a brighter, more sustainable world. As the first such facility in Sub-Saharan Africa, the E2 Center positions Ghana as a leader in nuclear education and training, promising to shape the future of energy development across the continent.
