Workshop on control of radioactive sources opens

Accra, April 30, GNA - A three-week technical meeting and regional workshop on regulatory control of radioactive sources organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Radiation Protection Agency of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission opened in Accra on Wednesday.

The workshop is to build competence and expertise needed by national bodies for the establishment and operation of an adequate regulatory programme for the safety and security of radioactive sources in nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, industrial radiography, industrial irradiators, nuclear gauges and well logging.

The regulators are expected to undertake these tasks in accordance with the requirements and international standards of the code of conduct on the safety and security of radioactive sources and its associated guidance on the import and export of radioactive sources. Addressing the opening session, Professor Edward Akaho, Director-General Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), underscored Ghana's full commitment to the multilateral treaty on nuclear safeguards.

He said while the Commission was developing and promoting nuclear science and technology, adequate measures were taken to ensure nuclear safety and security.

Prof. Akaho reminded Ghanaians that under the law it was an offence to use radioactive materials without the authorization of the Radiation Protection Board (RPB), which is the sole regulatory body established to ensure control and use of radioactive sources.

Legislative Instrument, LI 1559 of 1993 gives the sole prerogative to license, inspect and control all activities and practices involving radiation sources, radioactive materials and x-ray facilities in hospitals and industries among others.

Prof. Akaho said the events of September 11, 2001 when terrorists flew planes into buildings in the US had made the control of the use of radioactive sources an emerging global issue, particularly on the possible use of these materials in terrorist activities. He expressed the hope that the workshop would provide participants with practical experience in the use of radiotherapy, radiopharmaceuticals, nuclear medicine sources and equipment.

Professor Cyril Schandorf, former Director of RPB, said the workshop would place emphasis on emergency response and to also equip participants with skills to establish a credible control mechanism in their various countries.