SAFCEI leads coalition to oppose adoption of nuclear energy
Story: Isaac AIDOO, Accra
THE Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI), a multi-faith environmental justice organisation, is leading a coalition of civil society and environmental organisations in Ghana to oppose the adoption of nuclear energy in the country.
The campaign also features solidarity engagements with organisations from South Africa, Zambia, Russia, and Kenya, underscoring a united front against the proliferation of nuclear energy in Africa.
Advocating Against Nuclear Energy
Vladimir Slivyak, Co-Chair of the Russian Environmental Group Ecodefense and Laureate of the Alternative Nobel Prize, highlighted the dangers associated with nuclear energy. “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,” he said.
Slivyak pointed to Ghana’s discussions with Russia’s Rosatom regarding nuclear reactor construction, which date back to a 2015 memorandum of understanding. He revealed that in 2023, Russia proposed building small nuclear reactors in Ghana, raising concerns about safety and nuclear proliferation. He argued that renewable energy, which is safer and more cost-effective, should be Africa’s priority, given the continent’s vast potential for sustainable energy development.
Local Perspectives on Nuclear Energy
Chibeze Ezekiel of SYND Ghana echoed these sentiments, advocating for renewable energy over nuclear power. “Nuclear energy comes with significant challenges, particularly in waste management—an area where Ghana is already struggling. The value chain required to fully harness nuclear energy is not adequately developed in Ghana,” he said. Ezekiel stressed that renewable energy offers a sustainable path for meeting Ghana’s energy needs while safeguarding its environment and future.
Alberta Kpeleku of 360 Human Rights added that the risks associated with nuclear energy extend beyond waste management. “From environmental disasters to health risks such as cancer and genetic damage, nuclear energy is not a viable solution. The impacts of nuclear accidents do not affect only the present generation but also generations yet unborn,” she said. Kpeleku called for prioritising renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal, alongside policy changes and intensified public awareness campaigns.
Building Knowledge and Collaboration
The week-long solidarity engagement in Ghana has focused on knowledge sharing and equipping communities and non-governmental organisations with the tools to counter pro-nuclear narratives. SAFCEI and its partners are exchanging experiences with stakeholders from Germany, Russia, South Africa, Kenya, and Zambia to highlight the environmental, health, and security risks of nuclear energy.
SAFCEI maintains that nuclear energy is neither safe nor affordable, asserting that Africa’s future energy needs can be met through renewable energy and energy efficiency measures. The organisation stressed the importance of traditional and local authorities in mobilising communities to resist nuclear projects.
A Call to Action
The coalition is urging policymakers to pivot towards renewable energy investments and to prioritise strategies that promote energy efficiency and conservation. The organisations emphasise the need for public education to build awareness about the risks of nuclear energy and the opportunities in renewable energy. With increasing global attention on sustainable energy solutions, the coalition’s efforts aim to position Ghana and the broader African continent as leaders in the renewable energy transition, safeguarding the environment and future generations.
