Nuclear Free Africa Solidarity Visit to Ghana

Organisations from South Africa, Zambia, Russia, and Kenya, as well as others joining remotely, are in Ghana this week for a week-long solidarity engagement on the threats of nuclear energy proliferation in Africa.

Africa does not need nuclear energy—it is neither safe, affordable, nor climate-smart. Communities and NGOs are taking a stand, equipping themselves with knowledge to debunk the myths surrounding nuclear power and to highlight its true risks and consequences.

During last decade Ghana’ authorities were intensively discussing the construction of nuclear reactors with Russian Rosatom. In 2015 the memorandum of understanding was signed between Ghana and Russian state nuclear corporation. In 2023 Russia proposed to build a fleet of small nuclear reactors in Ghana.

Sessions focused on familiarisation and knowledge-sharing. Experiences from Ghana are being exchanged with other parts of the world, including Germany, Russia, South Africa, Kenya, and Zambia—emphasising access to information, the role of traditional and local authorities, and the strength of networks.

Alberta Kpeleku, Solomon Appiah, Bethel Okyere Baffour - 360 Human Rights
“We are here to shed light on the often-overlooked consequences of nuclear energy, especially with reference to nuclear waste. From environmental disasters to health risks and economic concerns, it’s time to reevaluate our reliance on nuclear power.

The impacts on the environment include nuclear accidents, radioactive waste, and contamination. Health risks include cancer, genetic damage, kidney disease, and other related conditions caused by radiation exposure. Additionally, there are security threats, such as nuclear proliferation, terrorism, and cybersecurity risks.

The gravamen of our case is that the devastating effects of nuclear accidents do not affect the present generation alone but also generations yet unborn. Alternatives and solutions for nuclear energy include renewable energy sources—solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal—which should be prioritised. Energy efficiency and conservation measures should be implemented, along with nuclear phase-out and decommissioning plans.

There should be a call to action involving demands for policy changes, support for renewable energy investment and research, and finally, the intensification of public awareness and education campaigns.”

Chibeze Ezekiel, Goldman Prize recipient for Africa 2020, SYND

“SYND Ghana stands in solidarity with the position against the exploitation of nuclear energy in Ghana. We strongly advocate for prioritising the exploration and use of the vast renewable energy (RE) resources available to the country.

We believe nuclear energy comes with significant challenges, particularly in waste management, an area where Ghana is already struggling. The potential environmental and health risks associated with nuclear waste demand a level of preparedness that Ghana currently lacks.

Additionally, the value chain required to fully harness nuclear energy is not adequately developed in Ghana. This raises further concerns about the country's capacity to manage and benefit from such a complex technology.

We align with SAFCEI's perspective that nuclear energy is a technology of the past. Ghana’s focus should be on tapping into the abundant and safer potential of renewable energy, which offers a sustainable path for addressing the country’s energy needs while safeguarding our environment and future.”

Phyllis Omido, Kenya, Laureate of the Alternative Nobel Prize, Goldman Prize recipient for Africa 2015, Centre for Justice, Governance and Environmental Action
“As part of Kenya’s anti-nuclear movement, we stand in solidarity with the newly born Ghana Anti-Nuclear Movement led by 360 and SYND. We believe in African solutions to African problems.

Nuclear energy translates to energy slavery for African people for generations to come. Renewable energy is freedom for our people and freedom for our planet.”

Makoma Lekalakala, Goldman Prize recipient for Africa 2018, Earthlife Africa
“Africa is endowed with renewable energy resources that, when harnessed, will contribute towards mitigating climate change. A transition to low-carbon economic development anywhere in the world cannot be accomplished with nuclear energy, as it is carbon-intensive.

To protect Africa's biodiversity, we must build an Africa whose future is renewable, not radioactive.”

Francesca de Gasparis, SAFCEI
“Our meeting here in Accra has reinforced the lessons from activists across Africa and Europe that nuclear energy is not needed or wanted as an energy source in Africa.

When we compare nuclear to other energy choices on the table in the 21st century, in terms of all meaningful factors—cost, safety, construction time, and waste—there is no rationale for nuclear.”

Vladimir Slivyak, Co-Chair, Russian Environmental Group Ecodefense, and Laureate of the Alternative Nobel Prize
“Nuclear power is expensive, slow, and dangerous. It is vulnerable to both climate change and war. The growing effects of climate change, such as floods, hurricanes, droughts, heatwaves, or storms, pose great risks to nuclear safety.

Wars increase the risk of military attacks, as seen at the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant in Ukraine. Nuclear power in today's unstable world creates additional risks of radiation disasters. It also creates the risk of nuclear proliferation, as every civilian nuclear plant produces materials that can be used to make a nuclear explosive device or dirty bomb.

Renewable energy is safe and cheap and must be the first choice in Africa, where its potential is enormous.”

Chansa Memory Kaluba, The Young African Activist Network
“As a person of faith and a young person from Zambia, we continue to uphold the works of those who are pillars of our society and the work they are doing.

An example is our Chieftainess, who stood her ground against the advancement of the initial phases of nuclear exploration, or our church representatives, who continue to speak out.

The choices of energy and innovation for a just transition to low-carbon economic development must be environmentally friendly and life-conscious. Therefore, solidarity with Ghana is a responsibility for our stewardship.”