Analyzing Policy and Regulatory Gaps in Nuclear Reactor Decommissioning in Ghana: A Comparative Study

Safe and sustainable decommissioning is essential to national nuclear power programs, requiring strong legal, regulatory, financial, and institutional frameworks. Ghana, as a nuclear newcomer, has established core legislation through the Nuclear Regulatory Authority Act of 2015 (Act 895) and is working toward alignment with International Atomic Energy Agency standards. However, notable gaps remain in decommissioning preparedness.This paper compares Ghana’s framework with international best practices and experiences from advanced nuclear states, as well as regional peers such as South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt. The gap analysis reveals deficiencies in subsidiary regulations, financial assurance, technical infrastructure, institutional coordination, and stakeholder engagement. The lack of a comprehensive decommissioning policy, a dedicated funding mechanism, and enforceable waste management regulations heightens safety, environmental, and financial risks. Insights from the United States, France, and the United Kingdom emphasize early lifecycle planning, transparent funding, and strong oversight. Addressing these gaps is vital to ensuring safe future decommissioning and building public and international confidence.