BRIEF HISTORY

In 1961, the Ghana Government decided to undertake the Ghana Nuclear Reactor Project (GNRP). This was intended to introduce nuclear science and technology into the country and to exploit the peaceful uses and applications of nuclear energy to foster national development.  The central facility of the project was to be a research reactor designed solely for research, training and production of radioisotopes.

The long-term strategic objective of this initiative was that the research reactor would facilitate the development of manpower and promote plans for the introduction of nuclear power for electricity generation in the country. To help realize the objective of the Ghana Nuclear Reactor Project, the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission was founded by an Act of Parliament, Act 204 of 1963, with the National Nuclear Research Institute (NNRI) formerly the Kwame Nkrumah Nuclear Research Institute (KNNRI) as the sole agency in Ghana responsible for all matters relating to peaceful uses of atomic energy.  The founding Act 204 was amended in 1993 by PNDC Law 308 mainly to enable it to create other institutes under the Commission.  This amendment resulted in the creation of thre other institutes in addition to the National Nuclear Research Institute (NNRI). The founding Act 204 of 1963 has been superseded by Act 588 of 2000 to make provision for institutes within GAEC to undertake commercialisation of its research and development results.

MANDATE

NNRI derives its goals and objectives from the functions prescribed in Act 588 of 2000. It is also responsible for the operation of all high-level government-owned nuclear facilities in the country.

VISION

Excellence in development and peaceful application of nuclear science and technology.

MISSION

NNRI exists to promote and strengthen nuclear science and technology research, training and development for the socio-economic development of Ghana.