The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Professor Abdulai Baba Salifu, says nearly 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity.
Speaking at the US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit in Accra, he said frequent power outages also continue to affect businesses, education and the quality of life across the continent.
He said Africa must explore new energy technologies, including nuclear power, to meet its growing electricity needs.
“For far too long, Africa has been a continent of paradoxes. We possess some of the world’s richest natural resources, yet we remain the most energy poor on earth. Nearly 600 million of our brothers and sisters still lack access to electricity.
“Those who have access often face unreliable supply, blackouts that cripple businesses, disrupt education, and, of course, undermine the quality of life.
“We in Africa should not continue to be defined by these challenges. Indeed, we must be defined by our resolve, especially in the wake of enormous potential for deploying new technologies such as nuclear power.
“When it comes to power in Africa, the numbers speak for themselves. Africa’s power demand is projected to rise 47 percent by 2030.”
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