The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) is the state organization in Ghana involved with surveillance of the use of nuclear energy in Ghana. It is similar in aim to the Ghana Nuclear Society (GNS), with the difference being that the GNS is a nonprofit organisation, whereas the GAEC is part of the parliament of Ghana. Its primary objectives were set out by the parliament act 588, which involve investigating the use of nuclear energy for Ghana and supporting research and development both in Ghana and abroad.
Since the 2011 mining reforms, Guinea has experienced a rapid increase in bauxite extraction, particularly in the Boké Prefecture. While this growth has significantly stimulated the nation's economy, the aggregated socio-environmental and territorial consequences of bauxite extraction at the local level remain insufficiently documented in peer-reviewed literature, especially through comprehensive, community-level empirical analyses that links spatial transformations to residents’ experiences of displacement. This study argues that existing compensation and governance frameworks do not match the territorial extent of bauxite mining impacts, resulting in ongoing livelihood insecurity even in cases of formal resettlement. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating field surveys, direct observations, interviews, and focus group discussions with 83 participants from four impacted communities. It also incorporates a diachronic analysis of land use and land cover (LULC) derived from Landsat imagery spanning 1973 to 2024. The study follows Cernea’s Impoverishment Risks and Reconstruction framework. Findings indicate a marked increase in mining areas (from 0 to 68 km²) and exposed soils near Sangarédi, accompanied by a substantial decline in vegetation cover (–28%). These spatial changes align with local perceptions of deteriorating air and water quality, farmland loss, and heightened livelihood insecurity, despite observable investments in social infrastructure. In Kanfarandé, the expansion of port infrastructure has precipitated significant territorial changes, even absent direct mining activities. Overall, the research shows that current compensation and governance mechanisms remain inadequate to address the cumulative and indirect impacts of bauxite exploitation, underscoring the need for integrated, participatory, and territorially informed governance frameworks.
Fermented fish products are important in many African diets. They serve as flavouring agents and affordable sources of high-quality protein and essential minerals. In Ghana, momoni is one of the most common examples. It is a salted, naturally fermented fish product valued for its strong aroma and distinctive taste. This review presents current information on the nutritional composition, bioactive components, microbial ecology, and enzymatic transformations that occur during the production of momoni and related African fermented fish products. Momoni typically contains 50-60 % protein (dry basis), 8-12 % lipid and significant minerals like calcium (160-210 mg/ 100 g) and iron (2-4 mg/100 g). The process, driven by microbes such as Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus, sees the pH fall from 6.5 to 5.2 and the total free amino acids increase from 18 to 45 mg/g. These changes enhance digestibility and generate bioactive peptides, with studies showing that antioxidant activity can reach up to 60 %. The review also discusses safety issues related to its composition, such as high salt content (10-20 %) and biogenic amines, proposes safe processing practices based on starter culture application and process control. It concludes that controlled fermentation can improve both nutritional and sensory quality while maintaining cultural authenticity. Linking traditional methods with scientific control offers opportunities for developing standardised, safe and nutritionally enhanced fermented fish products that support food and nutrition security in Africa.
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) grain is prone to microbial and insect infestation. This study evaluated some quality properties of sorghum grain irradiated with low energy electron beam (LEEB), high energy electron beam (HEEB), and gamma rays. The experimental samples were sorghum grain irradiated at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 kGy, while the unirradiated sample served as a control. The experiments with LEEB and HEEB involved accelerators ILU-6 (250 keV) and ELEKTRONIKA 10-10 (9 MeV), respectively. A Chamber 5000 Co-60 device provided gamma irradiation. The phytochemical, physicochemical, and functional properties were defined by standard methods. The study revealed significant (p ≤ 0.05) reductions in the total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents, although they were not dose-dependent. The total phenolic contents reduced from 6.15 (control) to 3.13 GAE/g (gamma rays), 2.74 (HEEB), and 3.47 GAE/g (LEEB). The total flavonoid content reduced from 3.55 (control) to 1.83 QE/g (gamma), 1.78 (HEEB), and 1.59 QE/g (LEEB). The tannin content reduced from 11.96 (control) to 5.19 TAE/g (gamma rays), 2.58 (HEEB), and 6.17 TAE/g (LEEB). The HEEB treatment and gamma rays reduced the pasting properties whereas the LEEB method caused no significant changes. Irradiation did not change the A-type starch crystals but affected its relative crystallinity. The bulk density, oil absorption capacity, solubility index, and swelling power changed significantly after irradiation. The low energy electron beam treatment demonstrated a good potential as an alternative irradiation source for sorghum grain because it had no adverse effect on its physicochemical and functional properties.
We aimed to investigate the current status of nuclear medicine (NM) services across Africa, including identifying infrastructure gaps, radiopharmaceutical availability, systemic challenges, uneven growth trends, and efforts to improve access. Methods: Data on NM infrastructure, radiopharmaceutical availability, and challenges faced by NM professionals in the region were collected at regional International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) training courses, from IAEA databases, and by direct correspondence with NM professionals in the region between September 2024 and September 2025. Results: NM services are available in 29 countries. Seven countries have more than 1 SPECT or SPECT/CT camera per million inhabitants, and 12 countries offer PET/CT services, with no country in the region having more than 1 PET/CT camera per million inhabitants. There are 29 cyclotrons in 11 countries. There has been a 5.58% compound annual growth rate of SPECT or SPECT/CT and 32.8% growth (above global averages) in PET/CT cameras since 2022. 99mTc is available in all countries with NM services, and all, except Burkina Faso, have access to 131I. Prostate-specific membrane antigen imaging is available in 9 countries, and somatostatin receptor type 2 imaging is available in 8 countries. Targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy services are limited to 131I for benign or malignant thyroid disease in most countries. 177Lu-therapies are restricted to 7 countries, and the availability of [131I]MIBG remains limited. Clinical trials with 225Ac and 161Tb are under way. Member states face similar challenges, including high costs of medical equipment and consumables, limited health care infrastructure, low government health care expenditures, weak economies, staff shortages, and limited educational opportunities. Conclusion: Despite challenges, there is clear momentum and NM growth in Africa. Although infrastructure, radiopharmaceutical access, and workforce gaps remain, data show progress. Sustained investment in facilities, training, and regulatory frameworks is essential to achieve equitable access to care. IAEA's regional anchor centers as part of the Rays of Hope initiative exemplifies strategic capacity building, collaboration, and knowledge sharing in the region.
Quality assessment of crude palm oil remains a critical challenge globally, particularly in resource-poor areas where traditional methods are time-consuming and destructive. This study explores machine learning-assisted Raman spectroscopy for non-destructive assessment of peroxide value (PV) and iodine value (IV) in palm oil. Raman spectra were collected from 200 samples from five Ghanaian markets, with second derivative preprocessing significantly enhancing feature resolution. Twelve predictive models were developed by combining three variable selection algorithms (CARS, GA, UVE) with three regression methods (PLS, SVM, RF). The genetic algorithm-random forest (GA-RF) model demonstrated exceptional prediction accuracy for both PV (Rp = 0.9831, RPD = 7.7397) and IV (Rp = 0.9752, RPD = 6.3927). Key spectral regions associated with unsaturation (1287-1657 cm⁻¹) and oxidation (1748-1840 cm⁻¹) were identified as crucial predictors. This approach enables rapid, non-destructive quality assessment with potential applications throughout the palm oil value chain.
