An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts concluded a 10-day mission to review the emergency preparedness and response arrangements in the Republic of Ghana. The Emergency Preparedness Review (EPREV) was carried out at the request of the Government of Ghana.
Peter Zombori, an expert from Hungary, led the five-person review team, which included experts from Italy, South Africa, Sudan, and the IAEA. "Ghana has developed an emergency preparedness and response framework, based on the all-hazards disaster management system in the country, which will enable all responders to work together during a nuclear or radiological emergency," Mr Zombori said at the mission’s closing meeting on 9 June. "The partnership and cooperation demonstrated by the stakeholders and counterparts is a good basis for the remaining work to be accomplished."
"Ghana clearly showed its commitment to nuclear safety when it requested this EPREV mission," said Denis Flory, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of its Department of Nuclear Safety and Security. "This commitment is the foundation of being well prepared, fostering a safe and reliable handling of nuclear and radiological issues. The IAEA is very pleased to assist Ghana in identifying strengths and opportunities for improvements in a spirit of transparency."
The review team identified several strengths during the mission, including:
- Pre-deployed, mobile emergency communications equipment, including loud speakers, that enables officials to quickly issue instructions and warnings to the public.
- A well-managed and staffed national technical committee for nuclear and radiological emergencies that involves all stakeholders and response organizations, and works under the all-hazards approach of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO).
The review team also highlighted areas where further progress is necessary, including:
- Personnel, especially first responders, need to be trained in recognizing and controlling a radiological emergency.
- Emergency preparedness and response plans and procedures are needed at licensed facilities and practices.
- Arrangements for recognizing the symptoms of a radiation injury and providing medical care to injured or contaminated patients need to be put in place.
The EPREV team noted the excellent cooperation of all organizations involved in the review mission. In particular, the team noted the dedication and commitment of all parties met during the mission.
About EPREV Missions
EPREV missions are one of the peer review missions offered by the IAEA to strengthen nuclear safety in Member States. EPREV missions focus on the arrangements and capabilities to prepare for and respond to nuclear and radiological emergencies. EPREV missions are not audits or inspections. They aim at providing an open and transparent review while fostering a professional exchange of ideas and best practices among review experts and their national colleagues. EPREV missions are based on the IAEA Safety Standards in nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness and response.