Cassiel Ato Forson announces $200m nuclear power readiness programme

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has unveiled a $200 million nuclear-readiness programme as part of the 2027 Budget Statement. This initiative, scheduled for implementation between January 2027 and December 2028, serves as a cornerstone for Ghana's transition toward incorporating nuclear energy into its national power mix. The government aims to finalize all critical preparatory work and secure a contract for the nation's first nuclear power plant by the end of the two-year period.

A critical component of the programme involves training over 2,000 scientists to provide the technical expertise required for the operation and management of the facility. Dr. Forson emphasized that the proposed nuclear plant will be a fully state-owned asset, with no involvement from independent power producers (IPPs). By maintaining 100% ownership, the government intends to secure sovereign control over nuclear infrastructure and ensure long-term energy stability.

The nuclear plan sits within a wider strategy to modernize Ghana's energy landscape and support industrial growth in sectors such as bauxite and steel. This broader agenda includes the construction of a 1,450-megawatt thermal power plant and a 600-megawatt solar facility. To improve distribution efficiency and revenue collection, the government also plans to deploy two million prepaid meters across the country by the end of 2027 while modernizing the existing transmission network.

These investments are designed to provide the reliable and affordable electricity necessary to enhance economic capacity and reduce the high costs associated with emergency power. By diversifying the energy mix and investing in human capital, the government expects the nuclear readiness programme to position Ghana as a regional leader in clean energy and industrial self-sufficiency.