NRA Hosts Stakeholder Workshop Towards a Robust Nuclear Liability Regime

From Tuesday, April 8 to Friday, April 11, 2025, the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) of Ghana hosted a high-level Nuclear Liability Workshop at its headquarters, bringing together over 30 participants from across the energy and power generation sectors, insurance industry, legal fraternity, the Attorney General’s Department, and other relevant government institutions. The four-day workshop created a platform for cross-sectoral dialogue on strengthening Ghana’s nuclear liability framework to meet international standards and ensure the country's preparedness for future nuclear activities.

The workshop was timely and essential as Ghana moves steadily toward the peaceful use of nuclear energy. It provided participants with a comprehensive review of the current nuclear liability regime, identifying gaps and vagueness within existing laws, and explored practical steps to reform and strengthen the legal and institutional frameworks governing nuclear liability.

Discussions centered on several key areas: from reviewing Ghana’s Nuclear Liability Regulations to identifying inconsistencies in national legislation that must be addressed to align with international Conventions. Participants gained insight into global legal instruments on nuclear liability, including how their provisions, especially those regarding heads of damage, could be incorporated into Ghana’s legal framework. There was a strong emphasis on the importance of inclusive legal reforms, with recommendations for active stakeholder engagement, especially the participation of the judiciary and legal drafting bodies.

Additionally, the workshop examined financial security mechanisms, including insurance schemes and indemnity systems that can support Ghana’s capacity to respond effectively to nuclear incidents. Participants also explored implications for nuclear liability in the transport of nuclear materials across borders and discussed how the integration of emerging technologies, such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), could be accommodated within the existing and future legal architecture.

The workshop concluded with a unified call for Ghana to establish a clear, enforceable, and internationally aligned nuclear liability regime. This includes developing legal provisions that fully reflect key international conventions, enhancing stakeholder collaboration, and ensuring adequate financial safeguards are in place to protect people, property, and the environment in the unlikely event of a nuclear incident.

As Ghana deepens its nuclear journey, the insights and recommendations from this workshop will serve as a critical guidepost in shaping a resilient and future-ready nuclear liability framework.