The Executive Director of the Volta River Authority (VRA), Mr. Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa, has stressed the vital role of the media in shaping public perception and supporting Ghana’s nuclear programme.
In a keynote address delivered on his behalf at the opening of a three-day training workshop for journalists on the country’s energy transition, themed “Media Support for Ghana’s Nuclear Power Project,” Mr. Antwi-Darkwa praised the media for their contributions to public education and awareness, which are crucial as Ghana pursues its ambitious energy goals.
“Ghana aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2060, a target that requires the deployment of low-carbon technologies across all sectors.”
“This transition framework is crucial to achieving net zero targets by mitigating climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come,” he stated.
Mr. Antwi-Darkwa indicated that VRA’s experience with various energy sources, including hydro, thermal, and solar power, uniquely positions it to incorporate nuclear power into Ghana’s energy mix.
“Nuclear power presents a scalable solution to our growing energy needs. It can provide a stable and economical source of electricity for a country with a rapidly growing population,” he noted.
Addressing concerns about cost, implementation time, and safety, Mr. Antwi-Darkwa emphasized the importance of engaging public support. A
According to him, engaging public support is a key requirement of Ghana’s energy transition and the role of media professionals is crucial in educating the public and dispelling myths about nuclear power.
He stressed the power of the media in shaping public perception and called on journalists to share success stories and educate the public about the benefits of nuclear energy.
“Your role is indispensable. Accurate and well-informed coverage can help overcome misconceptions and build public trust,” he said, citing France as an example where a well-planned media campaign helped build public support for nuclear energy, which now provides 70% of the country’s electricity.
In a welcome address, Dr. Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG), echoed these sentiments and emphasized the critical importance of media efforts in supporting Ghana’s nuclear ambitions.
He praised the media’s role in supporting Ghana’s nuclear ambitions saying, “The role of the media has been and continues to be crucial in the pursuit of a secure, safe, and reliable energy source.
“Since the inception of Ghana’s nuclear power program in 2007, the media has played a vital role in educating the public, demystifying misconceptions, and fostering a well-informed society.”
“We thank you because, without you, we wouldn’t reach where we are now. Your support helps build public trust by providing transparent and factual information about the project’s progress, safety measures, and regulatory framework.”
Dr. Yamoah emphasized the need for continuous assessment and improvement of media collaborations. “Having worked together over the years, we must assess our collaboration and identify areas for improvement,” he said.
He assured that as Ghana advances its nuclear power programme, the collaboration between VRA, NPG, media professionals, and international partners will be pivotal in successfully transitioning to a sustainable energy system.
