The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) Ladies Association has held a get-together for GAEC women to mark this year’s International Women’s Day celebrations.
The theme for this year’s celebration “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow under the hashtag #BreakTheBias” implores individuals to work towards a world that is more equal, inclusive, and free of prejudice and discrimination in order to level the playing field for women in society.
GAEC Ladies sharing a meal at the get-together
In a brief interview, the Association’s President, Dr. Eunice Agyarko-Mintah, stated that the gathering was organized to foster unity, increase communication and promote collaboration.
“We decided to host this get-together to get to know each other better, interact, and share a meal in order to foster a sense of community”, she stated.
According to Dr. Agyarko-Mintah, the theme for this year’s celebration is particularly relevant because although women are taking up leadership positions and working at par with men, biases against women still exist.
“When I was studying for my PhD in soil science, for example, someone approached me and questioned why I didn’t pursue a female-oriented field such as food science”, she indicated.
She urged young women in science and research to take on the challenge of breaking the bias by pursuing programmes in male-dominated fields such as physics and chemistry.
Dr. Agyarko-Mintah encouraged the GAEC Ladies to always strive for excellence through hard work, discipline, diligence, and integrity.
On the onerous occasion of International Women’s Day, which has been specially set aside globally to reflect on and celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women I present this goodwill message to all women, especially our affable and hardworking staff.
On behalf of the Director-General, Management and Staff of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, we add our voices to the billions of people from all walks of life, tribe, creed, race, social and economic status to mark this day under the theme BREAK THE BIAS.
We can pride ourselves in the remarkable progress made since the inception of the Fourth republican constitution, as women have distinguished themselves and risen to enviable positions in public, corporate and political leadership. On the face of these remarkable feats, it is easy to assume that the case for gender equality is a thing of the past. However, biases against women still exist in every aspect of our lives. There still remain inequalities in resource allocations, decision-making, political representation, social and economic empowerment.
We, therefore, call on everyone to work towards breaking the bias right from our homes, places of work and places of worship. We must heed the call to a gender-equal world: a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination; a world so diverse, equitable, and inclusive; a world where difference is valued and celebrated.
We salute all the women at GAEC who are working tirelessly to ensure we realize our vision to become the leading organization contributing to sustainable national prosperity through the effective utilization of nuclear, biotechnology and other related technologies. We appreciate and acknowledge all your contributions to the growth and development of GAEC. We thank you for all your dedication, continuous support and the innovative ideas you bring on board to make GAEC a peaceful and industrious working environment.
Yes! Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
Good morning, distinguished women of GAEC.
On the onerous occasion of International Women’s Day, which has been specially set aside globally to reflect on and celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women I present this goodwill message to all women, especially our affable and hardworking staff.
On behalf of the Director-General, Management and Staff of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, we add our voices to the billions of people from all walks of life, tribe, creed, race, social and economic status to mark this day under the theme BREAK THE BIAS.
We can pride ourselves in the remarkable progress made since the inception of the Fourth republican constitution, as women have distinguished themselves and risen to enviable positions in public, corporate and political leadership. On the face of these remarkable feats, it is easy to assume that the case for gender equality is a thing of the past. However, biases against women still exist in every aspect of our lives. There still remain inequalities in resource allocations, decision-making, political representation, social and economic empowerment.
We, therefore, call on everyone to work towards breaking the bias right from our homes, places of work and places of worship. We must heed the call to a gender-equal world: a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination; a world so diverse, equitable, and inclusive; a world where difference is valued and celebrated.
We salute all the women at GAEC who are working tirelessly to ensure we realize our vision to become the leading organization contributing to sustainable national prosperity through the effective utilization of nuclear, biotechnology and other related technologies. We appreciate and acknowledge all your contributions to the growth and development of GAEC.
We thank you for all your dedication, continuous support and the innovative ideas you bring on board to make GAEC a peaceful and industrious working environment.
Distinguished ladies and Gentlemen, it is an honor and a privilege to celebrate this International Women’s Day with you all and share a few thoughts on this day. The theme for this celebration is; Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow with a sub-theme “Break the Bias”.
International Women’s Day is marked globally every year with great enthusiasm to celebrate the achievements of women in all spheres of influence: social, political, economic, academic and other fields of life.
Today, women are leaders in various endeavors and work at par with men because of the hard work done by the forbearers that fought relentlessly to bring us this far. However, the dominant grip of society by men continues unabated. Men are still holding women to subservient positions in society.
Without a shred of doubt, the growth and sustainability of the human race depend on women. At home or work, women demonstrate a great deal of zeal and enthusiasm but they are mostly sidelined on issues affecting women and children. The time is ripe for women to champion their issues.
An American writer, Harriet Beecher Stower, once said ‘women build society and build communities: women are therefore the real architects of society’.
Therefore, women must be respected and given their rightful place in society. To ensure gender equity and sustain our environment for future generations, women must have the space to realize their potential and take their pride of place in society.
As we celebrate this remarkable day, let us continue the work done by our forbearers and in solidarity, let us raise the awareness of the plight of all women and break the biases. For without women, sustainability will be beyond reach.
Happy International Women’s Day.
Long Live GAEC Ladies Association
GAEC Ladies: it’s our Word, We Take Charge; Together we can Do More.
A seven-member executive committee of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) Ladies Association has taken over the baton of leadership to steer the affairs of the association for the next three years.
They are Dr. Eunice Agyarko-Mintah, President; Ms. Justina Owu-Agyiri, Vice President; Mrs. Evelyn Duah, Secretary; Mrs. Doris Worlanyo Taylor, Treasurer; Ms. Leticia Esi Boadu, Financial Secretary; Ms. Matilda Obese-Badu, Protocol Officer and Mrs. Belinda D. Brocke, Vice Protocol Officer.
The newly elected GAEC Ladies Executive Committee Members.
At a brief ceremony on February 17, 2022, at the GAEC Auditorium in Accra, the President of the association, Dr. Agyarko-Mintah, thanked members of the association for the confidence they had reposed in her and the other executive members.
She commended the past executives for their good works and assured members to take the works of their predecessors a notch higher. The President also promised to work together with all stakeholders towards the realization of the association’s aspirations.
Dr Agyarko-Mintah also extolled the past executives for contributing to the effort of the Commission to fight COVID-19 by donating hand sanitizers and tissue towels when the pandemic was at its peak.
The President noted, “I cannot and will not assume that this mission can be accomplished on my own accord and knowledge. Therefore, I appeal for the cooperation of all members to help promote the Association’s image to a better stead.
Immediate past GAEC Ladies Executive Committee Members.
The immediate past executives were Prof Mary Boadu, President; Mrs. Sika Nartey, Vice President; Dr. Hannah Affum, Secretary; Mrs. Yvette Agyiriba Aggrey, Treasurer; Ms. Leticia Boadu, Financial Secretary; Ms. Justina Owu-Agyiri, Protocol Officer and Ms. Sadia Moro, Vice Protocol Officer.
The GAEC Ladies Association was founded in 2019 through the relentless efforts of a group of ladies of the Commission. It has since grown in membership and activities. The association, is known for its women empowerment and ensuring the active participation of female in the scientific and non-scientific activities and programmes of the Commission while promoting the development of women in general.
The Director-General of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare, has paid a working visit to the Biotechnology and Nuclear Agricultural Research Institute (BNARI) of the Commission in Accra.
Director General of GAEC, Prof. Samuel B. Dampare (standing) addressing management of the BNARI.
The visit was the second leg of the familiarization tour of the seven Research Institutes of the Commission since his assumption of office, to afford him the opportunity to acquaint himself with the activities and operations of BNARI and to share his vision with them.
In an interaction with management of the Institute, Prof. Dampare assured them of his unflinching support towards the realization of their set goals and objectives. “We want to work together and move GAEC forward as a team so you have my full support for all your research activities”, he added.
The GAEC Premier sounded a word of caution that the tenure of office for all management positions will not be renewed automatically, but will be based on performance. “You must ensure that your subordinates work, set targets for them and monitor to ensure they achieve the set targets”, he noted.
He indicated that acquisition of funding for projects and research should be one of the targets to be set by the Institute. “Government pays our salaries and we are expected to source for funds within or outside Ghana through writing of award winning proposals to enable us undertake our research without any hitches”, he said.
He advised that the focus of GAEC as a research organization should be the impact it makes on society. “Scientists in BNARI should generate research ideas that have direct benefits to the society and can be pitched with organizations for sponsorship. This is what will move the nation forward”, he said.
Prof Dampare reiterated his quest for the accreditation of laboratories and suggested that a roadmap should be made for the accreditation of a number of laboratories in BNARI.
Deputy Director General of GAEC, Deputy Director of GAEC, Prof. Dickson Adomako (standing) speaking to management of the BNARI.
The Deputy Director General of GAEC, Prof. Dickson Adomako, who accompanied the DG on the tour, advised management of the Institute to focus on consensus building with their colleagues and subordinates in research, financial mobilization and career development.
The Director of BNARI, Dr. Michael Osae thanked the DG and his team for the visit and promised to work hard to help the DG achieve his vision for GAEC.
The newly appointed Director General (DG) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), Prof. Samuel B. Dampare has begun a tour of the seven technical institutes of GAEC with a visit to the National Nuclear Research Institute (NNRI).
The tour marks the DG’s concerted effort to have a first-hand information on the various types of research being undertaken in the laboratories and also ascertain the state of equipment and facilities at the Institutes.
Director General of GAEC, Prof. Samuel B. Dampare (standing) giving the keynote address at the meeting.
Speaking at a meeting with the Directors, Centre Managers and Heads of Department of NNRI, held at the Miniature Neutron Source Reactor (MNSR) facility, Prof. Dampare thanked them for their hard work and support during the investiture and induction ceremonies that ushered him into office.
He was optimistic that NNRI could replicate what pertains in other institutes by getting legal backing for some of the technologies and services they offer. “We can get legal backing for some of the technologies that we have a competitive advantage over and team up with the assemblies and say for instance, before anybody builds a house, he needs this or that certification from GAEC”, he stressed.
Responding to a question on the state of the GAEC website, the DG indicated that the Commission’s website will soon receive a facelift, and that, a directive has been issued for all Institutes to create their content for the update of the GAEC and Institute websites. “Visibility is key and if you write proposals for instance, the evaluators don’t know you and the first port of call is the website in order to identify you. So it is very important that we get this information from you to update the site”, he added.
The DG also noted that the internet is necessary for research and there must be a concerted effort to register all devices that will use the GAEC network so that activities can be properly monitored to ensure its proper use. “You will be surprised at what some people watch on their phones and computers during working hours”, he revealed.
Deputy Director General of GAEC, Prof. Dickson Adomako (standing) speaking at the meeting.
Prof. Dampare stressed on the importance of accreditation of some selected laboratories within the next few years and indicated the necessity for clearly documented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as well as Quality Control and quality Assurance (QAQC) measures.
The Deputy Director General of GAEC, Prof. Dickson Adomako, also advised management of the institute to promptly forward decisions taken at the institute level to the DG for him to be up to speed with what goes on at the institute level.
Professor Samuel Boakye Dampare has been inducted into office as the Director-General (DG) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC).
Prof. Dickson Adomako also was inducted as the Deputy Director-General.
They both swore the Oath of Office and Secrecy administered by the Board Chairman of the commission, Dr Kwaku Aning, who adorned them with stoles.
The former DG, Prof. Benjamin J.B. Nyarko presented a sword and a key to signify his official handing over to the new DG.
The ceremony attracted Vice-Chancellors and Presidents of tertiary institutions, former Director Generals of GAEC, and their deputies, the clergy, religious leaders, faculty and students of the School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, friends and families of the two professors.
The out-going Director-General, Prof. B.J.B Nyarko (right) handing over the key of office to in-coming Director-General, Professor Samuel Boakye Dampare.
Dr. Aning, in his opening remarks, said it was the first time in the annals of the commission that a DG and his deputy were being sworn into office.
The Board Chairman stated that in accordance with laid down procedures and purposes of the commission, a search committee was duly constituted in 2021 to propose a successor to the former DG.
The Commission’s Board Chairman said in November last year, the report of the search committee was considered and approved the appointment of Prof. Dampare as the Director-General of the Commission and Prof. Adomako as his deputy.
Dr. Aning said the DG was answerable to the Commission’s Board and as the Chief Disciplinary Officer responsible for the day-to-day administration, research, development and education functions of the Commission as conferred on him by the GAEC Act 2000.
The GAEC Board Chairman, Dr. Kwaku Aning (Middle) decorating the in-coming Deputy Director-General, Prof. Dickson Adomako (left) with a stole.
He said the Deputy DG shall perform any other function assigned by the Director-General and commended the Board for getting competent and visionary professors to head the Commission.
Prof. Dampare in his inaugural address commended the search committee for giving him the opportunity to serve the Commission and Prof. Emeritus E. H. K. Akaho, Prof. A.W.K. Kyere, Prof. Amuasi, Prof.Tsugio Shibata and Prof. Daniel Asiedu whose encouragement, support and guidance brought him this far.
His tenure, he stated commenced a new era of leadership and the very high expectations of the Commission to advance and excel within the global scientific research and development.
The DG said the Commission had made remarkable progress in health, agriculture, medicine, industry water resources management and space science and recognised globally as one of the leading institutions contributing to sustainable nuclear science and technology.
He added that his vision was to have GAEC become “globally recognised, nationally relevant, result-focused and an entrepreneurial scientific research organisation in the field of nuclear and allied sciences and applications.”
Prof. Dampare indicated that GAEC is strategically established with a focus on research and development, innovation and technology transfer, human resource development, education and training, commercialisation and the promotion of nuclear power into Ghana’s energy ministry.
He pledged to promote an inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary approach to research to address, promote the transfer of technology to the private sector, strengthen the capabilities of identified laboratories as well as establish a research and innovation fund to support the government’s agenda of industrial development.
The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with SKT Aeroshutter Limited on January 20, 2022 at the premises of GAEC, which enjoins the parties to undertake projects in furtherance of Ghana’s Nuclear Power Programme.
Professor B. J. B. Nyarko, the Director General of GAEC and Mr. Francis Owusu, Chief Executive Officer of SKT Aeroshutter Limited, represented and signed on behalf of GAEC and SKT Aeroshutter Limited respectively.
The Director General of GAEC, B.J.B Nyarko (L) shares a copy of the signed MOU to the CEO of SKT Aeroshutter Limited, Francis Owusu (R). Photo Credit: E. Akaho
The MoU specifically aims at, among other things, synergizing aerial surveys and photogrammetry with the use of drones, using artificial intelligence in data processing, applying geospatial analysis and undertaking feasibility studies in advancement of Ghana’s Nuclear Power Programme. The MoU also creates room for SKT Aeroshutter Limited and GAEC to jointly undertake proposed projects within the public and private sector.
GAEC is expected to deliver on the terms of the MoU through the Nuclear Power Institute (NPI), which is responsible for the technical oversight of Ghana’s Nuclear Power Programme.
Mr. Francis Owusu expressed his appreciation for the collaboration and emphasized that the collaboration stands the potential of yielding positive strides for both parties.
Group Photo of both delegations during the MOU signing. Photo Credit: E. Akaho
Professor B.J.B Nyarko expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration, stating that the collaboration was a step in the right direction and has strong prospects of closing the technology gap in Ghana. He urged the parties to endeavor to operationalize the MoU for the socio-economic development of the nation.
