The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA Ghana) has launched a one-year project to support Ghana’s preparations for the development of its first nuclear power plant.

The initiative will focus on attracting investment, training skilled workers and strengthening the institutions responsible for the country’s nuclear power programme.

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In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, the IEA said the project, known as the Ghana Nuclear Phase II Completion and Investment Readiness Support Programme, would help Ghana meet key requirements under the second phase of its nuclear power development programme.

According to the Institute, Ghana has completed the first phase of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) nuclear development process and is working towards meeting the requirements needed to begin discussions with potential contractors.

The statement said the country was working towards “fulfilling the requirements of the second milestone, which concerns national readiness to invite bids or negotiate a contract for its first nuclear power plant”.

The IEA noted that although Ghana had made progress in its nuclear energy plans, more work was needed to strengthen institutions, improve coordination and prepare the country for the next stage of development.

“The IEA initiative seeks to contribute to these efforts through targeted policy research, technical engagement, institutional assessments, stakeholder consultations and practical decision-support instruments,” the statement said.

As part of the project, the Institute will examine Ghana’s workforce needs and identify areas where additional training is required, including nuclear engineering, safety, security and project management.

“The initiative will assess priority human capacity requirements and support the development of a workforce planning framework that identifies existing capabilities, critical competency gaps and opportunities for coordinated training and professional development,” the IEA stated.

The project will also focus on preparing Ghana to attract investment into the nuclear energy sector, taking into account the high cost of constructing and operating nuclear power plants.

“The IEA programme will therefore contribute policy analysis and decision-support work concerning financing readiness, institutional risk, implementation priorities and the broader investment environment for Ghana’s nuclear power programme,” the statement added.

On regulatory matters, the Institute said the project would help identify areas where Ghana needed to improve its nuclear safety regulations and strengthen the institutions responsible for overseeing the sector.

“Its work will complement, rather than replace, the statutory responsibilities of Ghana’s nuclear regulatory authorities and the technical mandates of national implementing organisations,” the IEA explained.

The one-year programme is expected to produce a workforce development plan, a regulatory readiness roadmap and a framework to guide future investment decisions.

The Institute believes the initiative will help Ghana address outstanding challenges in its nuclear power programme and support the country’s long-term energy security and industrial development.

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