Accelerator Research Centre (ARC) specialises in modern ion beam research and analytical services. It uses innovative techniques, including Proton-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE), Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS), and Nuclear Reaction Analysis (NRA) with a 1.7 MV Pelletron particle accelerator to provide accurate elemental and structural analysis of materials.

ARC promotes research, innovation, and problem-solving in vital areas such as health, agriculture, security, industry, cultural heritage and tourism in accordance with its national mandate. It also supports both sustainable socio-economic growth and scientific excellence through the use of cutting-edge technologies, professional services, and human capacity building.

Vision

To become a Centre of Excellence in accelerator science and ion beam analysis in Africa, supporting graduate education, and to position Ghana as a regional centre for accelerator-based research and applications for sustainable development.

Mission

To establish and effectively utilise advanced accelerator-based technologies for research, education, and training in nuclear science, in collaboration with national and international partners, to enhance the application of advanced analytical techniques in support of evidence-based solutions for sustainable development in Ghana.

Core Functions

  • Provide accurate elemental and structural analysis of materials using ion beam accelerator-based techniques (PIXE, RBS, and NRA).
  • Support scientific research and innovation aligned with national development priorities.
  • Deliver specialised analytical services to public institutions, industry, and academia.
  • Promote applications of nuclear and accelerator technologies in health, agriculture, security, industry, cultural heritage and tourism.
  • Build national capacity through training, knowledge transfer, and technical expertise in ion beam science.
  • Foster collaboration and partnerships at national, regional, and international levels.

Impact and Achievements

  • Delivered advanced elemental analysis services to a broad and diverse client base each year, including:
    • Academic institutions within and outside Ghana
    • Government regulatory bodies
    • Industrial stakeholders
    • Individuals and researchers
  • Achieved the successful installation and commissioning of a 1.7 MV Pelletron accelerator, thereby expanding national capacity for advanced nuclear analytical applications.

 Learn More About Our Work

 

We offer high-quality analyses to external clients, including non-destructive elemental analysis of soils, air particulates, artefacts, and industrial materials

We also offer collaborative research opportunities, technical support for method development, and expert assistance in project design involving advanced accelerator technology and ion beam-based analytical techniques.

We deliver specialised training and hands-on learning in accelerator-based analytical techniques for students, researchers, and professionals.

We provide expert advisory support in the application of ion beam techniques for elemental analysis, environmental monitoring, materials characterisation, forensic investigation and archaeological research.

Explore Our Technical and Advisory Services. Contact Us.

Ongoing Projects

  • Ghana – IAEA Technical Cooperation (TC) Project: “Upgrade existing accelerator facility for analytical services, research, education and training for national development.

 Past Projects

  • Profiled common antibiotics made into enhancement drugs sold on the Ghanaian market.
  • Conducted the Characterisation of historical and modern beads from Ghana for archaeo-tourism.
  • IAEA – RAF7016 Project: Establishing and improving air pollution monitoring in Africa (22 African countries participated).
  • France Embassy Nkabom Project NK P1 UG-UPS/ELYSE: Geant4 Simulation of the ion beam transport of the GAEC Pelletron Particle Accelerator and radiolysis studies (ELYSEGAEC_Geant4Simulation/Radiolysis); Participating institutions: ARC, Université Paris-Saclay and Centre National de la Récherche scientifique (CNRS).
  • France Embassy Nyansapo Project: “French support for ion beam techniques and complementary characterisation in Ghana”; participating institutions: ARC, Université Paris-Saclay and Centre National de la Récherche scientifique (CNRS).

 Collaborate on our projects. Contact us.

  • 7 MV Pelletron Tandem Accelerator
  • Ion Beam Analysis (IBA) Laboratory
  • Sample Preparation Laboratory.

Engage Our Facilities for Research and Field Applications. Call us now.

 

  • Ion Beam Analysis (IBA): Non-destructive multi-elemental analysis of materials using PIXE, RBS, and NRA.
  • Environmental Studies for the identification of pollution sources and assessment of its impact
  • Cultural Heritage and Archaeometry for Analysis of artefacts for authentication, provenance, and conservation.
  • Material and Structural Analysis for the Characterisation of materials, thin films, and coatings for research and development and quality control.
  • Soil and Agricultural Applications for Assessment of macro- and micronutrients to support sustainable agriculture and land management.
  • Forensic and Biomedical Applications to Trace element profiling for health monitoring, contamination studies, and forensic investigations.

 Collaborate With Us on Our Applied Research. Contact Us.

Physical Address:

Accelerator Research Centre (ESC)

P.O. Box LG 80

Legon

Digital Address (GPS):

GE-257-0465

Phone:

+233 30 396 2584

Email:

nnri@gaec.gov.gh

Connect with us to drive innovation and sustainability!