Ghana Atomic Energy Commission Pleads for Increased Subsidies The Director General of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), Prof. Benjamin Nyarko, has called on the government to allocate more subsidies to the institution to enhance its research and development capabilities. In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Prof. Nyarko emphasized the vital role that GAEC plays in advancing Ghana’s technological progress and ensuring its energy security. “The Commission has been at the forefront of nuclear technology research, radioactive waste management, and the utilization of ionizing radiation in various sectors, such as health, agriculture, and industry,” Prof. Nyarko said. He highlighted that GAEC’s activities require substantial financial resources, particularly for procurement of equipment, maintenance of facilities, and funding for research projects. “Without adequate subsidies, our ability to sustain our operations and deliver on our mandate will be severely constrained,” Prof. Nyarko stressed. He urged the government to consider the long-term benefits of investing in GAEC, including its contributions to economic development, improved healthcare, and environmental protection. “By providing the necessary subsidies, the government can enable GAEC to continue playing a pivotal role in the advancement of Ghana’s nuclear science and technology sector,” Prof. Nyarko said. He expressed optimism that the government would recognize the importance of GAEC’s work and commit to providing the necessary financial support to foster its growth and impact on Ghana’s development agenda.Ghana Atomic Energy Commission Explores Funding AvenuesGhana Atomic Energy Commission Explores Funding Avenues The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) is urging its institutes to seek out funding opportunities to advance their work. Professor Samuel Boakye Dampare, Director-General of GAEC, emphasized the need to “think outside the box” and collaborate to secure grants that support the Commission’s initiatives. Workshop on TVET and Competency-Based Training To this end, GAEC organized a five-day workshop in Accra to sensitize its management on reforms in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Competency-Based Training (CBF). The workshop was funded by the Ghana Skills Development Fund (GSDF) and facilitated by the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET). Welding Skill Development The workshop aimed to provide GAEC management with insights into TVET reforms and their relevance to the Commission’s plans for national development. It also included training on proposal writing and refresher courses on CBT for GAEC facilitators. Notably, the workshop coincided with a grant awarded to GAEC by GSDF to upgrade its welding department and train welders in TIG and MIG welding techniques. Collaboration with CTVET GAEC and CTVET have maintained a strong partnership over the years, delivering training modules in various technical and vocational skills. These collaborations have enabled GAEC to enhance capacity in training for the informal sector, particularly in technical and vocational subjects. Call for Compliance Professor Dampare congratulated the project team responsible for developing the successful grant proposal and urged them to adhere to all grant requirements. He emphasized the importance of this project as it showcases GAEC’s commitment to providing opportunities for skill development and promoting technical advancements in the country.The Director General of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), Professor Benjamin Nyarko, has appealed to the government for increased subsidies to enable the commission to carry out its mandate effectively. Professor Nyarko made the appeal when the Parliamentary Select Committee on Environment, Science, and Technology visited the GAEC’s research reactor facility at Kwabenya, near Accra. He said the commission’s budget had been inadequate over the years, which had affected its operations and research activities. “The commission needs more subsidies to be able to procure the necessary equipment and materials for our research work,” he said. Professor Nyarko said the commission was working on several projects, including the development of a nuclear power plant, and needed adequate funding to complete them. The Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Environment, Science, and Technology, Dr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, assured the commission of the committee’s support in its quest for increased funding. He said the committee would engage with the government to find ways of increasing the commission’s budget. Dr. Akandoh said the commission’s work was critical to the development of the country, and it was important to provide it with the necessary resources to succeed. The GAEC is a statutory public institution established in 1964 to undertake research and development in nuclear science and technology.