ML24047A293
| ML24047A293 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 07/21/2023 |
| From: | Office of Public Affairs |
| To: | |
| References | |
| News Release-23-043 | |
| Download: ML24047A293 (1) | |
Text
No: 23-043 July 21, 2023 CONTACT: Office of Public Affairs, 301-415-8200 U.S. and Ghana Work Together on Independent, Transparent Nuclear Regulatory Framework The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Ghana Nuclear Regulatory Authority reaffirmed this week their shared commitment to continue close cooperation on nuclear safety and regulation.
NRC Chair Christopher T. Hanson and Ghanas NRA Director General Nii Kwashie Allotey discussed their significant collaboration since the 2017 signing of an inaugural bilateral arrangement for cooperation and the exchange of technical information. The NRC and Ghanas NRA have engaged frequently on a variety of nuclear energy safety and security-related topics as that country develops a regulatory oversight program for nuclear power.
We have worked closely with Ghanas NRA as it develops a technically competent, independent regulatory program in preparation of overseeing commercial nuclear power in Ghana, Hanson said. Establishing a strong and transparent regulatory framework based on high safety standards is a critical step toward the adoption of nuclear technologies. We have a long-standing partnership with Ghanas regulator, and we welcome our continued collaboration as NRA progresses in establishing a regulatory structure.
Allotey also reconfirmed the strong partnership.
We value the partnership that the NRA has forged over many years with the U.S. NRC, one of the worlds leading and most experienced nuclear regulators, Allotey said. We greatly value the NRCs expertise as we seek to develop Ghanas own strong, independent regulatory oversight program. International partnerships such as this provide a solid foundation for the NRAs oversight programs, which will protect people and the environment and align with international standards and obligations.
The NRC-NRA bilateral relationship is part of broader cooperation between the U.S. and Ghanaian governments as Ghana seeks to embark on creating a nuclear power program and establish a legal framework with the U.S. government for civil nuclear cooperation, known as a 123 Agreement.
During his visit to Ghana, Hanson also met with leaders in the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, the Ministry of Energy, and the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, where he emphasized his steadfast commitment to continue working together and stressed the importance of regulatory independence for building public trust.
Page l 2 The NRC strongly supports exchanges with partners around the world to share best practices for ensuring safe, accountable, and transparent use of nuclear energy technologies.