• Vision

To be a leading institute of excellence in the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology, advancing the welfare, safety, and security of Ghana.

  • Mission

To promote the peaceful use of nuclear technologies through innovative research, training, and strategic commercialisation for socio-economic development.

  • Core Functions
  • Conduct cutting-edge research in nuclear science to address national and global challenges, delivering impactful solutions for healthcare, agriculture, industry, and environmental sustainability.
  • Empower Ghana’s workforce through specialised education and mentorship, equipping students and professionals with expertise in nuclear technology.
  • Apply nuclear techniques to advance medical diagnostics, enhance environmental protection, and optimise industrial processes for sustainable development.
  • History

Since its establishment in 1963 under the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), the National Nuclear Research Institute (NNRI) has pioneered nuclear science and technology to drive Ghana’s socio-economic development. As the first research institute of GAEC, NNRI leverages the peaceful applications of nuclear technology to address critical challenges in health, agriculture, industry, and environmental sustainability, positioning Ghana as a leader in nuclear science across Africa.

Operating the Ghana Research Reactor-1 (GHARR-1) for over 30 years with an impeccable safety record, NNRI has made significant advancements in neutron activation analysis, isotope production, and material testing. A landmark achievement was the conversion of GHARR-1 to low-enriched uranium (LEU), which aligns with global non-proliferation standards and reinforces NNRI’s commitment to safety and excellence.

Recognised as a regional hub by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), NNRI collaborates with global partners like the US Department of Energy and local institutions such as Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), promoting innovation and policy development. NNRI’s initiatives, from addressing plastic pollution through nuclear techniques to ensuring access to clean water via isotope hydrology, deliver tangible benefits to communities.