The USA and Ghana on 13 July signed a Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation (NCMOU), “which improves our cooperation on nuclear energy and strengthens our diplomatic and economic relationship,” the US State Department said. It added that the USA and Ghana “have an enduring diplomatic relationship, which includes long-standing cooperation in the fields of security, energy and commerce”. Cooperation in nuclear energy, science and technology can lead to significant contributions to clean energy, agricultural improvements, clean water, advanced medical treatments, and more, the Department noted.

Nuclear Cooperation MOUs are diplomatic mechanisms that strengthen and expand strategic ties between the USA and a partner country by providing a framework for cooperation on civil nuclear issues and for engagement between experts from government, industry, national laboratories, and academic institutions.

Ghana is considering adding nuclear power its energy mix to enhance economic development and provide a stable and affordable supply of electricity. The Government established the Ghana Nuclear Power Programme Organisation (GNPPO) to coordinate all preparatory activities related to the development of the nuclear power programme. In 2018, the Presidential cabinet approved the setting up of “Nuclear Power Ghana” to oversee the construction and operation of the country’s first nuclear power plant. In 2019 Ghana hosted an International Atomic Energy Agency Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) follow-up mission, which said Ghana has made progress in implementing the recommendations of a previous 2017 INIR mission.