Strengthening Safeguards: Ghana Hosts IAEA-led COMPASS Procedures Validation Workshop

Ghana’s commitment to enhancing its nuclear safeguards regime was reinforced from 10th - 14th March 2025 as the country hosted the COMPASS – Safeguards Relevant Procedures Outreach and Validation Workshop at the headquarters of the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA). Organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in partnership with INSEP and STUK, the workshop formed part of the IAEA’s COMPASS initiative, which supports Member States in strengthening their safeguards infrastructure through technical assistance, capacity-building, and best practice sharing.

The five-day workshop brought together experts, regulators, and key stakeholders in the nuclear sector to review and refine Ghana’s safeguard procedures in line with international standards. Sessions covered a broad spectrum of critical areas including the validation and development of safeguard procedures, evaluation of existing NRA processes, and the importance of accurate nuclear material accounting and reporting—such as Material Balance Reports (MBRs) and Inventory Change Reports (ICRs). Participants also explored the integration of Information Management Systems (IMS) to support data validation, reporting, and regulatory oversight, while discussions emphasized the legal and institutional frameworks needed for effective implementation. Practical exercises, group work, and case studies further enabled participants to identify gaps, recommend improvements, and outline a roadmap for continuous enhancement of the country’s State System of Accounting and Control (SSAC) of nuclear materials.

The workshop concluded with certificates awarded to participants, a set of forward-looking recommendations, including the need to strengthen reporting mechanisms, enhance stakeholder engagement and training, implement a National Ledger system for nuclear material tracking, and ensure the periodic review and update of safeguard procedures.

The NRA’s participation in the COMPASS initiative and its collaboration with international partners like the IAEA underscores Ghana’s dedication to maintaining a transparent, robust, and secure nuclear regulatory environment. The insights and outcomes from this workshop will play a vital role in shaping the future of nuclear safeguards in Ghana and positioning the country as a regional model for excellence in nuclear governance.