Radiation Protection, Safety and Security Issues in Ghana

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Science and Technology
• Radiation Protection
• Regulatory Affairs

Background:

• Radioisotope use in Ghana started in 1952.
• The Radiation Protection Board of Ghana (RPBG) was the national competent authority from 1993 to 2015.
• Ghanaian legislation has evolved, with Act 895 of 2015 establishing the Nuclear Regulatory Authority of Ghana (NRAG).

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the regulatory framework for radiation sources in Ghana.
• To detail the roles and responsibilities of regulatory bodies.
• To highlight the evolution of radiation protection oversight in Ghana.

Main Methods:

• Review of Ghanaian legislation and regulatory history.
• Description of the functions of the former Radiation Protection Board of Ghana.
• Identification of the current regulatory authority and its mandate.

Main Results:

• The Nuclear Regulatory Authority of Ghana is now responsible for regulating radiation sources.
• The Radiation Protection Institute provided crucial technical support to regulatory bodies.
• Key regulatory activities included permit issuance, inspections, and safety assessments.

Conclusions:

• Ghana has a structured system for regulating radiation sources and their applications.
• The transition to the Nuclear Regulatory Authority of Ghana signifies an updated approach to radiation safety.
• Effective regulatory control is maintained through the national competent authority's supervision.