Uranium find could fast-track exploration of nuclear power

The Geological Survey Department says an airborne study which shows the possibility of uranium deposits in Ghana if confirmed, could prove timely in the country's quest to explore nuclear power as an energy option.

The Department says, it could save the country substantial amounts of money which otherwise would be needed to import the mineral to power nuclear reactors in the country.

Ghana's first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, established the Ghana Atomic Commission to work on generating nuclear energy to augment power from the Akosombo Dam.

The facilities for nuclear energy production that were established have been lying idle because the country has not raised the needed funding to procure Uranium to power the nuclear reactors.

The Heritage Newspaper reports that a survey carried out recently reveals the Voltaian basin close to Keta could hold substantial amounts of Uranium.

Dr. Thomas Kwesi Adu, the Director of the Geological Survey Department, said any discovery of the mineral will be welcome news.

He noted that if activated, the country's energy problems will be solved.