Speaker
Description
The use of radioactive materials and radiation-emitting devices has become increasingly vital in Ghana’s development, particularly in the fields of healthcare, industry, and scientific research. These materials support essential activities such as cancer treatment, medical diagnostics, industrial radiography, and agricultural innovation. A key enabling factor for these applications is the transportation of radioactive materials, which ensures timely and safe delivery to facilities across the country.
Given the potential risks associated with the movement of radioactive substances, transportation is recognized as a critical aspect of nuclear safety and security. It demands rigorous oversight to prevent radiological hazards that could affect people, property, and the environment. Ghana, as a committed member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), adheres to international standards for the safe and secure transport of radioactive materials.
To institutionalize this commitment, the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) was established under Act 895 of 2015. The NRA is mandated to regulate all radiological and nuclear activities in Ghana, including the transport of radioactive materials. Section 51 of the Act stipulates that such transportation must be authorized by the Authority. Additionally, Section 91(k) requires the NRA to issue regulations and technical requirements for transport activities, in alignment with the IAEA Transport Regulations (SSR-6 Rev.1, 2018 Edition).
This regulatory framework provides the legal and institutional foundation for managing transport operations in compliance with international safety and security guidelines. Within this framework, authorization processes including licensing of operators, approval of transport packages, and certification of carriers ensure that only qualified entities are permitted to handle radioactive materials. Moreover, procedural controls such as safety assessments, security planning, emergency preparedness, and compliance verification serve as operational safeguards to minimize risks during transit.
This paper aims to assess the effectiveness and comprehensiveness of Ghana’s regulatory framework, authorization mechanisms, and procedural safeguards for the transport of radioactive materials. It explores how these elements interact to uphold safety and security, identifies existing gaps, and proposes recommendations to strengthen regulatory practices in line with global standards.
