At a Glance
- Ghana aims to start construction of its first nuclear plant by 2027 to address power shortages.
- Two sites have been selected in the Western and Central regions following international safety reviews.
- Global developers from the US, France, China, South Korea, and Russia show strong interest.
Ghana is preparing to make its biggest shift in energy policy in a generation, with plans to break ground on its first nuclear power plant by 2027.
The project is aimed at easing chronic power shortages and supporting fast-rising industrial demand.
For a country that still leans heavily on hydropower and gas-fired plants, the move signals a search for steadier, round-the-clock electricity as mining, manufacturing and urban growth stretch the grid.
Energy officials say nuclear power offers what other sources increasingly cannot: reliable baseload supply that is less exposed to drought, fuel price swings and seasonal shortfalls.
If the timeline holds, Ghana would become one of only a handful of African countries to pursue commercial nuclear power — a move with long-term implications for its economy and power security.
Sites, land and early groundwork
Two locations have been identified. A large-scale facility is planned for the Western Region, while a smaller plant is proposed for the Central Region to serve nearby industrial zones.
The dual-site plan is intended to balance grid stability with direct industrial demand.
Land acquisition is underway, and early work has begun on a future power purchase agreement.
The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition says construction could start within two years, once regulatory approvals and financing are secured.
In February 2025, the project cleared a key technical hurdle after Ghana hosted a Site and External Events Design Review mission by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Nsuban in the Western Region was chosen as the preferred site, with Obotan in the Central Region listed as a backup.
The agency said Ghana’s process met international safety benchmarks.
Global interest and a continental shift
Although no contractor has been named, developers from the United States, France, China, South Korea and Russia are competing for what is expected to be a decade-long build, according to people familiar with the talks.
Ghana’s plan reflects a broader shift across Africa. South Africa remains the only nation with an operating commercial nuclear plant, while Egypt is building a large nuclear facility to support its own growing power needs.
High rewards, high pressure
The upside is clear: more stable power for industry, less exposure to drought-hit hydropower and costly thermal generation, and stronger support for universal electricity access.
The risks are just as real. The project will test Ghana’s ability to raise long-term financing, strengthen nuclear regulation and manage complex construction over several years.
The next two years will show whether the country can turn its nuclear ambition into power on the grid.
