Sponsor: Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Ghana
Period of Consultations: Wed July 02, 2025 to Fri June 27, 2025 The safe,
secure, and peaceful use of nuclear materials and radioactive materials is of
greatest importance to national interest, public health, environmental
protection, and international obligations. This is because nuclear activities ought
to be conducted safely and securely, to
protect the people, the environment and properties from the harmful
effects of radiation hazards, whilst enjoying its benefits.
It is a core mandate of the Nuclear Regulatory
Authority to develop
regulations that licensees must meet to obtain or retain a license or
certificate to use nuclear materials or operate a nuclear facility. These draft
regulations provide specific guidance and implementation details for the
broader regulatory framework outlined in the Nuclear Regulatory Authority Act,
895 of 2015. These regulations ensure consistent and effective enforcement of
safety, security, and other standards related to nuclear activities.
The Draft Design of Nuclear Installations Regulations
aims to minimize the risk of radioactive material releases and maintain the
integrity of nuclear facilities throughout their lifespan. It seeks to do this
by focusing on robust design, stringent construction practices, and thorough
commissioning. It covers various aspects, including siting, design,
construction, commissioning and administrative procedures.
These regulations assist the Nuclear Regulatory Authority to establish safety standards and requirements for design, construction, and commissioning, including measures to prevent accidents, mitigate consequences, and protect the public and environment. They also address physical protection systems to deter threats and unauthorized access.
Key Provisions / Thematic Areas
Key provisions:
1. The
design requirements and design principles for nuclear installations, together
with its systems, structures and components that are important to nuclear
safety based on a graded approach.
2. The
design must consider the site's characteristics and ensure adequate physical
barriers to contain radioactive materials, including multiple layers of
containment.
3. Construction
must adhere to stringent safety standards and guidelines, and commissioning
must demonstrate that the facility meets design and safety requirements.
4. The
design must account for both internal hazards (e.g., fires, explosions) and
external hazards (e.g., earthquakes, floods) that could impact the plant.
5. The
design must ensure that radiation levels are maintained within acceptable
limits for personnel and the public, both during normal operation and in
accident scenarios.
6. The
design must possess information required for maintaining the safe and secure
operation of the nuclear installation;
7. Design
must be supported by a comprehensive safety analysis, and the installation
should undergo periodic safety reviews to ensure ongoing safety.
8. Provisions
must be made for safe decommissioning of the installation at the end of its
operational life.
9. The
regulations emphasize the importance of quality assurance in all aspects of
design, construction, and operation.
10. Penalties
for flouting any of the provisions of these Regulations.
11. Appeals
may be made in accordance with the procedures provided in the Nuclear
Regulatory Authority Act, 2015.
Comments
Who Can Comment?
All interested parties (relevant organisations,
co-regulators, business groups, professional bodies, Unions, religious
organizations, Civil Society Organisations, environmental policy advocates,
international partners and so on) are invited to review the draft regulations
and submit comments, suggestions, or concerns during this time.
Structure of Comments:
In your
comments, please add:
Title: Please state the title of
the draft regulation you wish to comment on.
Introduction: Explain
why you are interested in the draft regulation, stating whether you are
commenting on your own behalf, on behalf of your organization or another
organisation, or are endorsing the comment of another. Also add any experiences
or credentials that makes your comments different from that of others.
Background: Clearly identify the
relevant part of the draft regulation you are commenting on. State the issues
within the draft regulation on which you are commenting and list your
recommendations. If you are commenting on a particular word or phrase, or if
you are responding to specific questions or requests for data, state this
clearly and provide the relevant page number, column, and paragraph in the
draft regulation.
Analysis: Please state your detailed
argument and evidence to support your recommendations.
Conclusion: Summarise your main
argument and lists your recommendations again.
Submitting Comments:
Comments may be submitted through any of the following methods:
- Email: reviewcom@nra.gov.gh with the email subject header “Reviewcom_Title of Regulation_Your Full Name_Organisation”
- Mail (if applicable): P. O. Box AE 50, Atomic Energy, Kwabenya.
- In-person (if applicable): Houses Nos. 1 & 2, Neutron Avenue, Nuclear Regulatory Authority; Mondays-Fridays, 8:30am – 4:30pm
- Public Participation: Details to be announced later.
Thank you for your participation in this important process.
Key documents to download
How to respond
This Consultation is Closed
Email to:
Write to:
Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Houses Nos. 1 & 2, Neutron Avenue, P. O. Box AE 50, Atomic Energy, Kwabenya
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