01/08/2025
Hon. James Gyakye Quayson, Nuclear Energy is Clean Energy!
During your parliamentary vetting for the position of Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, you responded to a question from Hon. Patricia Appiagyei by stating:
“...globally, most countries that I know are shying away from nuclear energy at this time because we are all looking at green energy now…” It’s refreshing that you raised the topic. However, while your statement may have reflected the post-Chernobyl sentiment, particularly in Europe it’s important to revisit the facts as they stand today, several decades later.
Nuclear energy is clean energy. Yes, nuclear energy is widely recognized as green energy due to its extremely low carbon emissions. It plays a critical role in the global effort to combat climate change by offering clean, reliable, and large-scale electricity. Following the Chernobyl disaster, approximately 16 countries either began building new nuclear power plants or launched new nuclear programs reflecting renewed confidence in nuclear technology.
Even our neighbors in South Africa have been operating two nuclear reactors since 1984 and continue to show strong commitment to expanding nuclear energy.
Let’s look at the facts:
• United States: 54 nuclear power plants with 94 reactors across 28 states, providing about 20% of the nation's electricity. On July 16, 2025, President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Westinghouse’s plan to construct 10 new large-scale nuclear reactors, scheduled to begin by 2030.
• China: Dozens of reactors currently under construction.
• Egypt: Building its first nuclear plant, El Dabaa.
• Turkey: Construction ongoing at Akkuyu-1.
• France: Flamanville-3 reactor under construction.
• India: Kudankulam-3 actively being developed.
• South Korea: Work progressing on Saeul-362.
• Japan: Shimane-3 reactor under construction.
Clearly, the world is not turning away from nuclear energy. On the contrary, it’s being embraced as a key component of a sustainable and secure energy future. Ghana deserves no less.
Our Nuclear Queen, Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, gave you the perfect opportunity to educate, especially given your background in nuclear science dating back to 1984. Unfortunately, you missed that opportunity.
That said, congratulations on your appointment with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As you take on this important role, we encourage you to rekindle your earlier passion for nuclear science and support Ghana’s efforts to establish its first nuclear power plant.
Wishing you success in your new position.
Ghana News Agency JoyNews Pipeline Online Jubilee House Ministry of Energy Ghana Atomic Energy Commission - GAEC
