Following reports of illegal activities near its nuclear facilities, the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), has cautioned the public against purchasing or encroaching on its land.
It stated that the encroachments threaten the safety and security of the nuclear facility and pose significant risks to nearby communities.
The warning comes in response to unauthorised individuals breaking barricades and grading vast portions of land designated for critical nuclear infrastructure.
In a press statement signed by the Director of the Commercialization and Communication Directorate of GAEC, Anthony Nana Boateng, revealed that the encroachments are occurring along the Bohye stretch of its property, behind the Bohye Police Base Workshop and Ga-East Hospital.
The government-owned land, has been earmarked for the construction of an Electron Beam Irradiation Facility, a project poised to revolutionise sustainable agriculture and national food security.
The facility will play a pivotal role in preserving food, reducing post-harvest losses, controlling contamination in consumer products, and sterilising medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
The Commission, expressed concern over the escalating encroachments, particularly as these activities, are now dangerously close to the National Nuclear Waste Management Centre.
According to the statement, this facility houses hazardous radioactive waste and is managed in strict compliance with Ghanaian laws and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regulations.
GAEC, emphasized the state’s obligation to protect its assets under international legal frameworks, to which Ghana is a signatory.
The statement, further stressed that preventing encroachment is essential for maintaining a safe research environment and ensuring the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology for national development.
It reiterated that the timing of these encroachments is particularly sensitive, as Ghana currently holds the prestigious position of Chair of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of the United Nations agency responsible for promoting the peaceful use of nuclear technology worldwide.
The statement pointed out that, failure to address the issue swiftly, could tarnish Ghana’s international reputation and jeopardize its future opportunities in the global nuclear science community.
It said Ghana’s commendable safety record, including over 30 years of operating a research reactor without incident, is also at risk of being undermined.
The land in question was legally secured by the Government of Ghana through an Executive Instrument (EI 75) in 1973, specifically for nuclear science research to support national development.
The statement concluded by calling on the public to respect the sanctity of this land and avoid engaging with unauthorised sellers or encroachers.
The Commission, also urged relevant authorities to take immediate action to safeguard the facility and surrounding communities.