History was made on 7 July 2025 when the Nuclear Regulatory Authority received its first HM- 5 Identifinder, a hand-held gamma ray spectrometer that is used for nuclear safeguards verification from the United States of America.
The equipment was received as part of the ongoing collaborations between the Authority and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) under the COMPASS Project. COMPASS is an IAEA initiative that involves partnering with member states to help them develop their safeguards capabilities including guidance to fulfil safeguards obligations.
It was presented to the Authority by Mr. Rolf Olson, the Charge d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Accra.
According to Prof Francis Otoo, the Ag. Director General of the Authority, the equipment donation reflects a deep commitment to strengthening the technical capacity and the shared dedication to uphold the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, safeguards and regulatory oversight by both Ghana and the United States of America.
In his remarks, Prof. Emmanuel Ampomah-Amoako, the Director of the Nuclear Installations at the Authority, provided some background to the COMPASS Project and the associated request for equipment support to enable the Nuclear Safeguards Department to discharge its duties in performing effective inspections, which is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons in Ghana.
Mr. Rolf Olson in his remarks, expressed America’s commitment in ensuring that support is offered in areas where there is collaboration between the two countries. “Ghana has come very far in building its reputation in the area of technological development and we hope this equipment will provide the necessary support to the NRA in the discharge of its regulatory mandate” he said.
The equipment was received by Prof Francis Otoo and Mr Kwamena Quaison, the Director of Science, Technology and Innovation at the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology.
Mr Quaison on his part expressed the Ministry’s appreciation for the support offered by the US through the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), International Nuclear Safeguards Engagement Program (INSEP) and the US Department of State (USDoE). “We are happy to receive this equipment today and just like Oliver Twist, we look forward to having more” he said.
Mr. Lawrence Ameh, the Ag. Head of the Nuclear Safeguards Department at the Authority in acknowledging receipt of the equipment expressed gratitude to the US team and by extension to INSEP for the gesture of support and assured the team of the Department’s commitment to employ the equipment in their extensive nuclear safeguards activities especially the conduct of inspections and verification at the various facilities within the country. “We will put this equipment to good use” he said.
About the HM-5 Identifinder
The HM-5 Identifinder is a commercially available radiation detection equipment used for nuclear safeguards inspections. It is used to locate radioactive sources or detect elevated radiation fields. It can give radionuclide identities, characteristics, location, quantity and intended use. It can also be used to detect uranium enrichment measurements.
