BRIEF HISTORY
Ghana started the use of radio-isotopes in 1952 when radiostrontium was used in experiments on monkeys. In 1958 the Physics Department of the University College of Gold Coast (now University of Ghana, Legon) on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, started radioactive fallout monitoring service. By the end of 1959 work in radioisotope application in Ghana had sufficiently gained ground in a number of institutes to justify the establishment of a Radioisotope Unit. Approval of proposals submitted to the National Redemption Council (NRC) for the establishment of such a Unit gave birth to the Health Physics and Radioisotope Unit.

In 1961, the Ghana Government decided to undertake The Ghana Nuclear Reactor Project (GNRP). The project was intended to introduce nuclear science and technology into the country and to exploit the peaceful applications of nuclear energy for national development. The central facility of the project was to be a research reactor designed solely for research, training and production of radioisotopes.
From a long-term point of view, it was hoped that the research reactor would facilitate the development of manpower and promote plans for the introduction of nuclear power for electricity generation in the country. The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission was established in 1963 to realise the objectives of the GNRP.

ESTABLISHMENT AND FUNCTIONS
The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) was established by an Act of Parliament (Act 204) in 1963.

The main Administrative Block and the Library

The main functions of the Commission include the promotion, development and utilization of the peaceful applications of nuclear and biotechnological techniques for economic and social advancement of Ghana. In pursuance of these objectives the Commission has established Institutes and Centres which carry out appropriate research activities.
This Act has been superseded by Act 588 of2000.
 

LOCATION
GAEC is located North-West of University of Ghana. It is about 24 km from the Central Accra and 6 km off the Legon-Madina road towards Kwabenya through Haatso township.

Location map of GAEC

Reactor Site
The area where the Institutes, Centres and most of the Research facilities are located is called Site, and it is 4km west of the Haatso township. GAEC can also be reached through Dome township off, the Accra-Nsawam road.
The Residential Area
The residential area is about 2 km west of the Site towards Kwabenya. In addition to staff accommodation, the residential area also has the following:

Main GAEC Security Office,
Clinic, School,
Post Office,
Veterinary Clinic and
Police Station
a Guest Hostel and
sporting facilities.

STAFF STRENGTH
The Commission has a total staff strength of 530 comprising research
scientists, technical, administrative and supporting staff.