IAEA opens radioactive course in Ghana

An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)/Africa Regional Cooperation Agreement (AFRA) course on Security in Transport of Radioactive Material and Quality Management Systems in the Provision of External Radiation Services, has opened in Accra.

The Five-day course is being attended by 42 participants, from 42 African countries including Ghana.

Prof. Benjamin Nyarko, Director-General of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) said, the Government of Ghana, was committed to the multilateral treaty on nuclear safeguards.

“We also ensure that whilst developing and promoting nuclear science and technology, nuclear safety and security are not compromised.”

He said the workshops would cover IAEA Implementing Guide on Security in the Transport of Radioactive Material, developing the transport security plan, transport security in Ghana, among others.

Prof. Nyarko said it was the main function of GAEC to ensure the peaceful application of nuclear techniques and biotechnology, for the socio-economic prosperity of the country.

Prof. Alexander Nyarko, Chairman, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, said in order to prevent “the ultimate catastrophe, States and international organizations needed to develop and implement national transport security requirements as in line with this training course on Security in the Transport of Radioactive Material.”

He said shippers, carrier personnel, law enforcement agencies and several other organisations would benefit from learning about specific security measures and technologies that could be used as part of the security systems.

Prof. Nyarko said in the wake of recent worldwide events, the AFRA Training Courses were appropriate and timely.

He said the Agency supported member states in strengthening and updating technical capabilities for the protection of the health and safety of workers, exposed to ionizing radiation in line with Basic Safety Standards.

Prof. Nyarko said the compliance was a prerequisite for the receipt by member states of assistance of the IAEA, through the technical cooperation programme, connected with radiation sources and other relevant accessories.

“This would undoubtedly reduce threats of over-exposure caused by ionizing radiation and radio-active materials,” he said.

The IAEA is organising the course in collaboration with the Government of Ghana.

Source: GNA

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