Ghana Atomic Energy Commission

>- G-M •• - f y GH9800017 GHANA ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION

1996 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 ANNUAL REPORT

GHANA ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION

USING NUCLEAR ENERGY AND TECHNIQUES TO ALLEVIATE HUNGER, DISEASES AND CONTROL ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

Ghana Atomic Energy Commission P.O. Box 80 Legon

Printed March, 1998. ORGANIZATIONAL CHART OF GHANA ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION

GHANA ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION CHAIRMAN (PROF. KWAME SARPONG)

SECRETARIA1 T EXECUTIVE SECRETARY (DR. J.H. AMUASI)

DEPUTY HEALTH PHYSICS AND EXECUTIVE SECRETARY RADIOACTIVE WASTE (DR. J.J. FLETCHER) MANAGEMENT

BIOTECH. & NUCLEAR AGRIC NATIONAL NUCLEAR RADIATION PROTECTION NATIONAL CENTRE FOR RESEARCH INSTITUTE RESEARCH INSTITUTE BOARD MATHEMATICAL DIRECTOR DIRECTOR DIRECTOR SCIENCES Cons. Director (MR. G.Y. KLU) (DR. A.W .K. KYERE) (MR. C. SCHANDORF) (PROF. F.K.A. ALLOTEY)

DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT RADIATION OF OF METROLOGY ANIMAL SCIENCE PHYSICS LABORATORY

DEPARTMENT OF FOOD DEPARTMENT FOOD& OF SCIENCE & RADIATION ENVIRONMENTAL NUCLEAR MONITORING PROCESSING ENGINEERING LABORATORY

DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF PLANT OF RADIOLOGICAL SOIL SCIENCE CHEMISTRY PROTECTION LABORATORY

RADIATION TECHNOLOGY CENTRE

DIGITAL ELECRONICS & NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTATION CENTRE

RESEARCH REACTOR CENTRE CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY'S MESSAGE / 1

THE GHANA ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION (GAEC) / 4

GAEC SECRETARIAT / 8

NATIONAL NUCLEAR RESEARCH INSTITUTE (NNRI) / 22

BIOTECHNOLOGY AND NUCLEAR AGRICULTURE RESEARCH INSTITUTE (BNARI) / 34

RADIATION PROTECTION BOARD (RPB) / 48

THE NATIONAL CENTRE FOR MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES (NCMS) / 54 EXECUTIVE SECRETARY'S MESSAGE

In the previous year, the Annual Report reflected the activities of GAEC on an Institutional basis. This report follows the same trend, providing an overview and indicating the many ways in which GAEC contributes to the development of nuclear science in the fields of agriculture, waste management, radiopharmaceuticals, mining, etc. whilst remaining the principal source of advice to government on nuclear matters.

Early in the year (27th February, 1996) the Minister of Environment Science and Technology, the Honourable Dr. Christina Amoako-Nuamah, inaugurated at Kwabenya the new Board of GAEC, with Prof. Kwame Sarpong of the Faculty of Pharmacy, (JST., taking the place of Prof. F.K.A. Allotey as Chairman of the Commission. The year's achievements under Prof. Sarpong's chairmanship clearly indicates that the Commission is again in the finest of hands and will continue to chalk great success in the coming years. I wish to thank the retired chairman and members of the Commission who have worked diligently and effectively over the past three (3) to four (4) years.

In addition to the mandate of the new Board to assume the sole responsibility in Ghana for all matters relating to the peaceful uses of atomic energy, the Honourable Minister during the inaugural ceremony, charged the board to formulate a global strategy to guide the Commission's capacity - building and commercialization efforts in the field of nuclear science and technology for sustainable progress in national development.

"In every sector of our economy", said the Honourable Minister, "the possibility of commercialization or pri- vatization of operations and activities is being considered. The sensitive nature of the functions of GAEC should, however, not prevent the Commission from considering the possibility of commercializing certain areas of its activities". The Honourable Minister issued a word of caution that these activities must, however, not be undertaken at the expense of security of operations.Commercialization must also not be done at the expense of the objectives for which the Commission had been established.

With this cogent advice from the Honourable Minister, the Commission has been, during the year 1996, explor- ing areas of commercialization, partnership and collaboration with identifiable bodies for mutual benefit. I am pleased to mention that the following key areas have been the Commission's focus in response to the Honourable Minister's call for commercialization:

(i) The neutron activation analysis capabilities of our recently acquired research reactor has now been con solidated to provide viable analytical services to the mining, agricultural, medical and other sectors of the nation's economy.

(ii) The Gamma Irradiation Facility which was commissioned together with the research reactor last year is now being used vigorously for semi-commercial purposes in sterilization of medical products to improve the health care delivery system; Other planned activities include:

(a) treatment of food against sprouting disinfestation, microbial infestation, etc. to reduce post-harvest food losses;

(b) treatment of animal feeds to reduce the microbial load and other food-borne diseases to animals and humans;

(c) Polymerization of wood and plastic materials for induced high quality products and other desirable characters. All of these planned activities would be consolidated and promoted to full commercial ventures in the coming years.

(iii) With the construction of the new Tissue Culture facility nearing completion, the Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute will soon be enabled to further explore modern biotechnology and nuclear techniques for improvement of agriculture in Ghana. In this connection, our scientists would be in a better position to aggressively produce planting materials of pineapple, plantains, banana, cassava and yam. This will alleviate the problem of non-availability of planting materials of the crops which had hitherto hampered efforts of commercial farmers.

(iv) The Accra Centre for Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine which is about 90% completed would soon be in operation to offer treatment to cancer patients in Ghana. This will save the country some of the foreign expenses in treating patients abroad.

Science and technology-based development is one of the cardinal areas in Ghana's Vision 2020. The Commission's aim is to make this a reality with our humble contribution to the development of our nation. Unfortunately, Government is unable to provide all the needed resources due to budgetary constraints. But the Commission will ensure that the meagre resources approved by the Ministry of Finance, if ever released, are utilised optimally to achieve the desired goal of creating a nation with the capacity to ben efit from the peaceful uses of nuclear technology, expertise and understanding.

I would like to thank my fellow Administration Committee Members for their loyalty, support and advice during the year.

DR. J. H. AMUASI

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

DR. J. H. AMUASI THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY A GROUP PICTURE OF GAEC BOARD MEMBERS AND OTHER DIGNITARIES AFTER THE INAUGURATION OF THE NEW BOARD 1.0 MEMBERSHIPS OF BOARDS AND COMMITTEES OF THE COMMISSION

In 1996 the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission underwent a change of Membership of the Board of the Commission.

The former members were:

Prof. F. K. A. Allotey Chairman Dr. L. Twum-Danso Member Prof. G. K. Tetteh Member Prof. A. K. Addae Member Dr. G. O. Kesse Member Dr. R. K. Affram Member Dr. E. Y. Safo Member

The new Board Members are:

Prof. Kwame Sarpong - Chairman Prof. G. C. Clerk - Member Dr. Constance Marfo - Member Mr. S. V. Amponsah - Member Dr. P. C. Acquah - Member Prof. J. C. Norman - Member Dr. R. K. Affram - Member Dr. W.O. Brakohiapa - Member Prof. Marian E. Addy - Member Prof. Aba Andam - Member Dr. S. Twumasi- Afriyie - Member Dr. J. H. Amuasi - Member

With the change of the former Commission's Board Members the following Boards and sub-committees of The Commission were also reconstituted. The new members are:

1.1 NNRI BOARD MEMBERS

Prof. Aba Andam Chairman Prof. F. O. Akuffo Member Prof. J. K. A. Amuzu Member Prof. Evan Addae-Mensah Member Dr. A. A. Banafo Member Mr. F. B. Nyantakyi Member Mr. B. Q. Modzinuh Member Dr. J. J. Fletcher Member Dr. A. W. K. Kyere Member Mr. C. Schandorf Member Dr. E. K. Osae Member Dr. I. K. Wilson Member

1.2 BNARI BOARD MEMBERS Dr. J. C. Norman - Chairman Dr. J. K. Obinim - Member Mrs. Abigail Anda - Member Dr. Francis Ofori - Member Dr. S. Twumasi Afriyie - Member Prof. S. K. A. Danso - Member Dr. Eric Kwei - Member Dr. A. W. K. Kyere - Member Mrs. Victoria Appiah Member Mr. C. M. Gbedemah Member Mr. C. F. S. Edmundson Member

1.3 RPB BOARD MEMBERS

Dr. P. C. Acquah Chairman Prof. G. K. Tetteh Member Dr. W. O. Brakohiapa Member Dr. E. K. Marfo Member Dr. A. W. K. Kyere Member Mr. C. Schandorf Member Mr. J. K. Danso Member Dr. Mrs. Akua Kuenyehia Member Mr. T. F. Bruce Member Dr. Boateng Jumah Member Mr. Eric Akoto Member

1.4 NCMS BOARD MEMBERS

Prof. E. Laing Chairman Prof. D. A. Akyeampong Member Prof. Kwesi Andam Member Dr. J. H. Amuasi Member Prof. F. K. A. Allotey Member

1.5 FINANCE BOARD MEMBERS

Prof. Kwame Sarpong Chairman Dr. R. K. Affram Member Mr. S. V. Amponsah Member Prof. G. C. Clerk Member Dr. J. H. Amuasi Member Director, BNARI Member Director, RPB Member Director, NNRI Member The Chief Accountant Member

1.6 PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD MEMBERS

Prof. Kwame Sarpong Chairman Prof. Marian E. Addy Member Mr. S. V. Amponsah Member Mr. K. Nyarko Member Prof. K. Andam Member Dr. J. H. Amuasi Member Dr. J. J. Fletcher Member Principal Works Supt Member

1.7 TENDER BOARD MEMBERS

Prof. G. C. Clerk Chairman Dr. S. Twumasi Afriyie Member Mr. S. V. Amponsah Member Dr. R. K. Affram Member Dr. J. H. Amuasi Member Representative from MEST Member Representative from AESL Member Representative from MOF Member Representative of Ministry of Finance

1.8 RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL BOARD MEMBERS

Prof. Marian E. Addy - Chairperson Dr. Constance Marfo - Member Dr. W. O. Brakohiapa - Member Prof. J. C. Norman - Member Dr. P. C Acquah - Member Prof. G. C. Clerk - Member Prof. E. K. Agyei - Member Dr. J. H. Amuasi - Member Dr. J. J. Fletcher - Member

1.9 APPOINTMENT AND PROMOTIONS BOARD MEMBERS

Prof. Kwame Sarpong - Chairman Prof. G. K. Tetteh - Member Prof. J. C. Norman - Member Prof. Marian E. Addy - Member Dr. P. C. Acquah - Member Prof. Ivan Addae-Mensah - Member Dr. J. H. Amuasi - Member

1. 10 APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Dr. R. K. Affram - Chairman Dr. J. J. Fletcher - Member Director, BNARI - Member Director, RPB - Member Director, NNRI - Member Ms. Josephine Armah - Member

1.11 SUPERANNUATION MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Mr. S. V. Amponsah - Chairman Dr. S. Twumasi-Afriyie - Member Mrs. Eleanor Arthur - Member Mr. Alfred Neequaye - Member Mr. Ernest Aryeetey - Member Dr. J. J. Fletcher - Member Ms. Josephine Armah - Member Mr. K. A. Danquah - Member Mr. P. M. Ansu - Member

1.12 DOCUMENTATION COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Dr. J. J. Fletcher - Chairman Dr. P. O. Yeboah, NNRI - Member Dr. E. K. Osae, NNRI - Member Dr. (Mrs) D. Gomez, BNARI - Member Dr. Harry Amoatey, EiNARI - Member Mr E. O. Darko, RPB - Member Mr. S. D. Asiamah, RPB - Member INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER, 1996

Main Source of Income

Government Subvention 1,857,941,599 Research Grant 70,000,000 1,927,941,599

Other Income

GAEC Secretariat 30,574,253 RPB 27,703,794 NNRI 19,003,010 BNARI 6,203,200 83,484,257

Total Income 2,011,425,856

Less Expenditure

GAEC Secretariat 531,812,428 Personal Emoluments 1,170,473,471 Sup 'B' Contribution 48,862,061 SSF. 121/2% 74,382,086 RPB 15,992,429 NNRI 33,203,465 BNARI 20,170,343 Estate Maintenance 19.291.760 1,914,188,043 97,237,843

Excess Income over Expenditure 88,237,043

7 2. REPORTS FROM THE DEPARTMENTS AND SECTIONS OF THE COMMISSION

2.1 (THE SECRETARIAT)

The Secretariat of the GAEC has under it the following departments, sections and a centre: i) General Administrations ii) Accounts Departments comprising the Stores, Audit and Fuel Sections; ii) Radiation Sickness Centre (Clinic Public Health Unit and the Sanitary Section) iv) Works and Maintenance Section; v) Traffic Section vi) Horticulture Section vii) Domestic Bursary; viii) Electrical section; x) Security Section xi) Schools ix) Auto Workshop; xii) National Radioactive Waste Management Centre xiii) Library

2.1. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

The General Administration has a staff consisting of a Principal Administrative Officer (PAO), a Senior Administrative Officer (SAO), two Administrative Officers, a Librarian and a Manager of the National Radioactive Waste Management Centre.

The Registry is manned by a Principal Administration Assistant, three Senior Clerks and two Departmental Assistants.

ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEMBERS Back Row (L - R) Mr. Awuku Boateng (Auditor), Mr. E.O. Darko (Ag. Director RPB) and Mr. G.Y.P. Klu (Director BNARI) Front Row (L - R) Nana Ekua Sangmah (Adm. Officer) Dr. J.J. Fletcher (Dep. Exec. Secretary) Dr. J.H.Amuasi (Exec. Secretay) and Dr. A.W.K. Kyere (Director, NNRI)

8 CD

FRONT VIEW OF THE ADMINISTRATION BLOCK (J. E. O. LINDSAY BUILDING) 2.1.2 RADIATION SICKNESS CENTRE (RSC)

The total staff strength of the Clinic and the Public Health Unit stands at 17 made up of one Resident Medical Officer, seven (7) trained Nurses, two (2) Ward Assistants, Two (2) Dispensary Technicians, one (1) Records Clerk, one (1) typist/Clerk, one (1) Laboratory Technician and two (2) Cleaners. The Sanitary Section has a staff strength of eleven (11). Total attendance at the RSC in 1996 was 15,982 as against 11,752 in 1995. Private or paying patients formed 57.5%. There were 3,621 newly registered patients and out of this 96.5% were paying patients. Total revenue collected amounted to 024,878,510.00 as against 014,800,480.00, collected in 1995. (Revenue from attending G.W.S.C. staff totalled 01,976,690.00.)

The year under review saw the Centre which is made up of the Clinic, the Public Health and Sanitary Section functioning very well except for a few constraints.

Major Problems

1. Staff Due to The increasing work load, there is the need to employ one more nurse to replace a Nursing Officer who retired within the year.

There is a need for an additional staff to help cope with the work load and the additional tests being introduced in the Laboratory.

The Sanitary Section lacks leadership and proper supervision because there is no qualified Environmental Health Personnel overseeing the outfit. One must be engaged as soon as possible.

2. Ambulance/Vehicle

We see a lot of emergencies some of which have to be referred to the nearest hospitals or sometimes to Korle Bu Hospital. Public Transport is very unreliable in such situations.

Other items needed urgently include 5 sphygmomanometers (B.P apparatus), 2 bathroom weighing scales, an electric stove and a weighing scale for the dispensary. Other reqirements include 24 pillowcases, 36 bed- sheets, 15 mattress covers, 5 screen covers, 2 tables and 6 long benches.

2.1.3 WORKS AND MAINTENANCE SECTION The work and Maintenance Section of the Commission was expanded in 1977 to enable the section undertake some of the constructional jobs of the Commission in addition to its routine maintenance duties.

This programme was successfully carried out until recently when insufficient budget allocation could not support such a scheme. For the year under review the Section only carried out its normal maintenance duties.

Staff The staff position as at December 1996 stood at 25, with the following categories: Chief Works Superintendent - 1 Principal Works Superintendent - 1 Senior Works Superintendent - 2 Works Superintendent - 1 Foremen - 2 Artisans - 6 Tradesmen - 8 Senior Gardeners - 4

10 Activities During the Year

Accommodation

A number of residential buildings became vacant as a result of the staff either retiring or resigning from the services of the Commission. These vacant houses were renovated for re-allocation.

Repairs such as roof leakages, replacement of worn-out water taps and unserviceable door locks, painting etc were undertaken. All the repair works were funded from part of the rent accounts. Amount spent on general maintenance was c15.766.009.30.

The Commission had to solve an acute housing problem for its staff by securing rental units at Ashongman. This served as transit quarters for newly employed officers with accommodation problem.

The tendency for residents to turn their immediate surroundings into orchards and backyard gardens has affected the free flow of the sewerage system. The roots of such plants find their way into the sewer (pipes) thereby causing constant blockage, which required clearance and repair.

Laboratory and Office Space

The following jobs were undertaken: Expenditure Sterilization Room in the Microbiology Laboratory 3,000,000.00 DENIC shelves and partitioning 482,500,00 NNRI Offices 989,000.00 £8,299.800.00 Accounts Office partition 169,000.00 Library partition 659,300.00 RPB Laboratory and Offices 3,000,000.00

GAEC Lands

The problem of encroachment on GAEC Lands was seriously tackled with the involvement of Ministry of Lands Commission Secretariat, Regional Town Planning and Regional Permanent Site Committee.

This has resulted in creating a zone at the worse encroached area where large and durable concrete pillars have been erected to check further encroachment. An amount of C13.7 million was spent. The remaining boundary line on the Eastern and Northern borders of the GAEC land need to be secured with large pillars.

Recommendations a) The task of conducting regular patrolling of the land boundaries must be seriously tackled. This must be accompanied by police protection. It is also recommended that a form of incentitives be given to those to be engaged in this exercise. b) Large pillars are to be erected at the remaining boundary lines to make the land secure. c) The immediate surroundings of every building must be kept tidy and free from food and other plants. d) The monthly maintenance allocation of. 1. 5 million cedis is woefully inadequate in view of the sharp increases in material cost. It will be greatly appreciated if an increase in maintenance funding could be considered.

11 2.1.4 TRAFFIC SECTION Staff There are seventeen (17) permanent drivers and one temporal tractor operator making a total of eighteen(l8).

Vehicles There are sixteen (16) vehicles and two tractors in the pool. The breakdown is as follows: 6 Aleko Saloon Cars: Two have been allocated to the Directors of NNRI and RPB. 4 Fiat Regatta Saloon Cars (one broken down) 1 Peugeot Caravan 1 Russian Jeep. (Broken down) 2 Pick Ups 2 Universal 445 Tractors(one is under repair) The Registration numbers of the broken down vehicles are: Fiat GV 826 Tractor GV 763C Russian Jeep AFA 3775

2.1.5 HORTICULTURE SECTION

Introduction

The Horticulture Section is the organ responsible for the beautification of the environment of Ghana Atomic Energy Commission by means of landscape development, cultivation of plants and vegetables.

STAFF

The staff is made up of twelve (12) permanent workers including the Sectional Head. Quarterly the staff is strengthened by the employment of 8 to 10 casual labourers.

Activities

Activities of the section include pruning of flowers, hedges and trees and slashing the grass around the residential area as well as the reactor site.

Problems

The section needs more staff, one more tractor solely for the section and two new lawn mowers to be able to work effectively.

2.1.6 DOMESTIC BURSARY

Introduction

The Domestic Bursary is a section of the Central Administration which caters for the following:

a) Catering services for the guests of the commission and its institutes. b) Worker's meal;

12 c) Catering services for International, Regional and Local Training Courses; and

d) Accommodation for Commission's Guest and Participants for Training courses.

Staff

At the end of the year the following staff were at post: 1 Senior Domestic Bursar 1 Senior Accounts Clerk 5 Senior Catering Assistants 3 Chief Cooks 6 Cook Stewards 2 Chief Stewards 1 Principal Steward 1 Departmental Assistant

During the year, the Domestic Bursary catered for nine (9) training courses and an amount of $13,061 53 was paid to the Commission from this activity. This is equivalent to 028,735,366.00 at conversion rate of 02200 to $1.00.

It also catered for the following needs of the Commission & its institute:-

GAEC Secretariat Snacks - 846 persons Lunch - 593

BNARI Snacks - 301 " Lunch - 73 "

NNRI Snacks - 361 " Lunch - 68 "

RPB Snacks - 26 " Lunch - 12 "

From the month of January to December 1996, the total amount collected from the Commission for purchases to the Domestic Bursary Stock for the above and workers lunch amounted to £23,760,810 million

During the same period an amount of 08,956,100 was also realised. Proceeds from workers' lunch amounted to 04,494,440 million. The revenue generated within the year amounted to 018,425,096.00

Problems

The main problems facing the Domestic Bursary are transport and lack of water reservoir at the Guest Houses. Action must be expedited on the furnishing of the Hostel and the Guest houses.

Of late, it has become the practice of all of the Institutes under the commission to hold courses and meetings outside the premises of the Commission owing to the problems mentioned above. This has resulted in a heavy loss of revenue to the Commission.

13 A GROUP PICTURE OF HEADS OF SECTIONS AND DEPARTMENTS UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION

Front Row (left to Right): Ashiaby (Horticulture) Nana Ekua Sangmuah Dr. J.H. Amuasi (Executive Secretary), Dr. J.J. Fletcher (Dep. Exec. Sec), Ms. Joyce Asiedu (Ag. Domestic Bursar), Mr. Asamany (Admin. Ch.), Mr. M. Mintah (Workers & Maintenance) and Mr. Gyane (Auto Workshop)

Middle Row (L - R): Mr. Awuku Boateng (Auditor), Mr. Twum - Danso (Accountant), Dr. Akompi (Head Electrical Sec.) Mr. H. W. Asamoadu (Prin. Security Off), Mr. W. A. Yeboah (Snr. Admin, off.), Ms. E. Agyemang (Librarian), Mr. E.O. Asare (Prin. Ace. Tech.), Mr. Kofi Ocloo (Final Ace), Mr. Neequaye-Tetteh (Prin. Admin. Off.),

Back Row (L -R): Mr. Bampoe (Chairman, T. U. C), Dr. M. Aryee (Resident Medical Officer)

14 2.1.7 ELECTRICAL SECTION

Staff

1 Electrical Engineer (Head) 1 Principal Technician 1 Senior Technician 1 Assistant Technician 1 Electrician Grade 1 Achievements With the skeleton staff the section was able to cope with most of the repair works at the Reactor site and the residential area. The new offices of the NNRI were wired but this took a longer period than desired because of lack of funds. The office of the Executive Secretary was also provided with new light fittings. An under- ground power cable was laid at the GAEC Preparatory School to replace an overhead line.

Problems The strength of our section is comparably insignificant. In actual fact all the electricians are in the superviso- ry category. This has created a situation whereby we all put our hands on deck when there is a breakdown. At present we have only one Grade 1 Electrician instead of four. This situation does not augur well for the section as far as the day to - day repairs and major electrical works are concerned.

Security lights at the Junior Staff Quarters and Type C Bungalows have been off for years, and there is the need to provide these street lights to minimize the spate of bunglary being experienced in the residential area.

2.1.8 AUTO WORKSHOP

Introduction

The Auto Workshop is usually termed the backbone and right wing of the Transport Section of the Commission and is located , some few meters away from the reactor.

Staff

The numerical strength of the workshop is eight men. One Officer, Mr. A. A. Djomoah, passed away on 14th April, 1996. The composition now stands as follows:

2 Senior Technicians 1 Senior Foreman (Auto Electrician) 3 Foremen 1 Artisan Grade 1 1 Tradesman Grade 1

ACTIVITIES

Inspite of the scarcity of spare parts in the market for Aleko and Fiat saloon cars, the workshop was able to carry out its functions or normal routine duties, such as maintenance, repairs and servicing various types of Commission vehicles in the pool. The vehicles are:

3 Fiat saloon cars 6 Aleko saloon cars 1 504 Peugeot Estate

15 2 Pick up (Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi) 2 Universal Tractors 1 Russian Jeep

From 1st January 1996 to 31st December, 1996 the expenditure made on all the Commission's vehicles were as follows:

Tyres = 2,217,000.00 Insurance policies, renewal of road worthiness certificates and re-registration of vehicles = 1,987,000.00 Workshop tools " = 215,000.00 Spare parts = 4,701,361.72

Total = (2 9,720,161.72

2.1.9 SECURITY SECTION

Staff

The staff strength of the Security Section as at December, 1996 was 49 including temporary watchmen. During the year, nine (9) persons were promoted to various grades. GAEC sponsored two (2) Officers to attend a seminar in Fire Prevention and Protection on 19th September, 1996.

Problems

There were incidences of bush fire, thefts and destruction of property during the year. Another problem that the Security and the Works and Maintenance section grappled with was that of encroachment on GAEC land.

2. 1. 10 GAEC PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOLS Introduction GAEC School was established to provide quality education to children of the Commission's workers and others from the surrounding communities. The Primary and Nursery schools have undergone some kind of trans- formation during the year under review.

The School Management Committee (SMC) in conjunction with the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) have embarked on physical expansion of some school facilities e.g. provision of water tanks, additional toilets, library and furniture for classrooms and offices.

Staff The staff strength as at December, 1996 was as follows:

1 Headteacher 2 Assistant Headteachers 6 Classroom Teachers 2 Nursery Teachers 3 Attendants 1 Clerk

16 Achievements

A water tank each has been installed at the Primary and JSS Sections. These water tanks are used to service the school toilets in times of water shortages. Smaller water tanks are also placed in the classrooms to provide drinking water.

Work has begun on the expansion of children's toilets and the school library. However, the rates at which work is being executed is not encouraging.

An appeal for funds which was launched during the year, yielded items such as furniture, curtains, footballs and paints. These were donated by some benevolent societies and parents. Some of these items have been put to good use.

In-service training in the form of observational visits was undertaken by the Nursery Teachers and Attendants This was quite impressive. Also the concept of "peerteaching" has been introduced to help teachers discuss issues relating to teaching and learning in their classrooms. This concept has been accepted and widely patro- nised by all teachers.

Problems

The problems facing the school administration are quite numerous. Prompt decisions and actions need to be taken in an attempt to solve some of these problems. Surprisingly, there seem to be some kind of laxity in the management of the school. This keeps compounding the problems in the school e.g.

1. The undefined status of the Junior Secondary School in relation to the administration of the sponsoring body, the Ghana Education Service and that of the Primary Section. This is having an adverse effect on both teachers and pupils.

2 Inadequate allocation of sets of textbooks for every subject per class per pupil.

3. The rate at which jobs are executed in the school is very slow, at a snail's pace in most cases. This can be attributed to the inertia of the Maintenance section or the Commission, and their obvious shortage of manpower resources.

4 Pressure from both workers and non-workers of the Commission for admission, into the school, for their wards/children. Enrolment has therefore increased by two-folds over the past four years. There is the need for expansion of classroom and other facilities in the school.

5. Lack of Security Personnel. The school is acquiring few assets and there is an urgent need to employ a full-time security man to ensure safety of the school property.

17 2.1.11 HEALTH PHYSICS AND RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT CENTRE

During the first half of the year 1996 the Health Physics and Radioactive Waste Management Centre was engaged in the decommissioning of radium source at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi.

Occupational Health Studies

The Centre personnel was also involved in occupational health studies at the Meteorological Department, Accra and also in a National Security Assignment at Tatale, Northern Ghana.

The following reports were submitted:

1. Report on the visit to the Radium Therapy at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH)11 March 1996. Dr. J. J. Fletcher and Dr. H. Boadu (NNRI)

2 Report on visit to Ashanti Gold Mines Corporation at Obuasi, 12-13 March, 1996.

3. Report on the Search for a Radium Source and Preparation for the Installation of Cs-137 Brachytherapy Source at the RTC, KATH, Kumasi, 15-17 May, 1996. Dr J. J. Fletcher and Mr. Eric Akoto (RPB)

4 Report on Preliminary Survey of Work Environment of the Weather Recording Studio, Meteorological Office, Airport, Accra. Dr. J. J.Fletcher.

5. Report on the Investigation into the Unidentified Falling Object on a farm at Tatale, 8-10 July, 1996. Dr. J. J. Fletcher and Mr. C. Schandorf. (RPB)

6. Report on the Regional AFRA -1 Training Workshop on Modalities for Promulgation of Waste Management Regulations and Guidelines, Tunis, Tunisia, 16-20 September, 1996. Dr. J J. Fletcher and Mr. J. Yeboah (RPB).

7. Seminar on the Implementation of the Radioactive Waste Management Regulations in Ghana on 9-11 October, 1996.

The main concern of the Centre, during 1996 was to establish the infrastructure for waste management in Ghana. Efforts were therefore made to refurbish and furnish an office laboratory for the Health Physics and Radioactive Waste Management Centre. The staff strength of the Centre is now 2 persons comprising of the Co-ordinator and a Principal Technician. Dr. Boadu who helps with the spent radioactive source registry and other matters, is not a staff of the Centre. The three have been doing conditioning of radioactive wastes and other jobs as reported above.

Expert Mission

Dr. M. Kucerka, an IAEA expert, visited the Centre from 18-25 October, 1996 to advise us on details related to the design of the Central Waste Processing and Storage facility.

On-going Work

The staff have collected soil and other samples from the Ashanti Gold Fields and Tema Oil Refinery to ascer- tain whether they have enhanced radioactivity. This work will help decide whether these practices produced Technologically Enhanced Radioactive Materials (TERMS). We are equipping our laboratory and buying the materials for experimental and operational work.

Another on-going work is the production of Health Physics and Waste Management Manuals for the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission.

A research proposal on "Leading Studies on Solid Waste using Radioanalytical Techniques", has been sent to AFRA-1 Management for consideration.

18 Constraints

As expected, money to effectively function is a problem but our main problem is lack of the personnel and equipment to do the job.

Recommendation

We recommend strongly to the Board to help us get the funds and the minimum personnel of 3 scientists, 5 technicians, computer literate typist and departmental assistant because the IAEA would wish to use our Centre as a training and research centre for the West African sub-region.

2.1.12 LIBRARY

Staff

1 Librarian 1 Senior Library Assistant 1 Library Assistant 1 Administrative Assistant 2 National Service Personnel

Book Fund

As in previous years, no specific budgetary allocation was made by the Commission to the Library. Funds were requested as and when the need arose. During the year, about 07,950,054.00 was expended mainly on periodicals, books loans from the British Council Library and some capital items.

Statistic 1995 1996 Registered users 138 144

Total Stock 1. Books and Reports 3,518 3,596 2. Journal titles 110 133

Acquisitions 1. Books and Reports 96 47 2. Journals (Scientific) 22 9

Book and scientific journal acquisitions during the year were mainly donations from four main sources: The Ghana Book Trust, The Third World Academy of Sciences, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the IAEA.

Database

INIS Database on CD-ROM (1975 to date)

19 Personal Computers

The outstanding feature of 1996, was the acquisition of the following equipment: Escom 486 personal computer system, with a CD-ROM drive and a Hewlett Packard Deskjet 540 printer purchased by the Commission. In 1995, IBM PS/2386 model 70 personal computer system and an Epson matrix printer were donated by the IAEA.

XTRA 486 personal computer, IBM PS/2 Keyboard, IBM PS/2 Mouse and a sheet feeder without the listed printer were also donated by the IAEA. A report on the non-compatibility and faulty motherboard of the latter was made to the IAEA.

CD-ROM Reading Room

With the acquisition of the aforementioned equipment, the Commission provided funds for an air-conditioner and panelling of the top floor of the Library to serve as a CD-ROM reading room.

Circulation 1995 1996 Books and Pamphlets 800 300

Inter-Library Loans and Document Delivery 1. Rim British Library 30 12 2. Lent to users outside G.A. E. C 5 6

Photocopies Supplied 1. Journal articles 19 6 2. Books 5 10

Areas of Activity

Automation

Work started on computerisation of the book collection using the Micro CDS/ISIS software obtained free of charge from UNESCO. All new books added to stock were entered into the system. Unfortunately, it was not possible to generate an accession list as initial problems with the package were still being resolved.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In 1996, Ghana's input to the System increased from 16 to 37 records. For the first time, input was sent via E- mail. The use of the INIS Database for retrospective literature searches increased considerably as a result of the replacement of the Atomindex with the CD-ROM.

Staff Training and Meetings

The Librarian, Ms. Elizabeth A. Agyeman participated in the 24th Consultative of INIS Liaison Officers in Kyoto, Japan from 28 to 31 May 1996. The Meeting marked the 25th anniversary of INIS.

To extend her expertise on INIS input preparation, She also attended an INIS Training Seminar at the INIS Secretariat in Vienna, Austria, from 9 to 13 December 1996. The course involved all aspects of INIS biblio- graphic description.

Mr. Daniel Y. Evans, the Administrative Assistant successfully completed a two-year diploma course in Librarianship at the Department of Library and Archival Studies at the University of Ghana, Legon.

20 Developments planned for 1997/1998

The Library Development plan for the year 1997 includes:

1. Continuation of the computerisation project.

2. Issuance of a current awareness bulletin to improve access to all materials held in the Library.

3. Compilation of a user-interest profile for Selective Dissemination of Information.

Problems Encountered

1. Lack of adequate funds to purchase scientific journals and books.

2. Inability to satisfy user-requests for photocopies as a result of lack of a photocopier in the Library.

3. Lack of a direct telephone line, E-mail and Internet for information transfer

4. Inadequate INIS input processing support

5. The absence of a GAEC technical reports collection in the library. Most technical reports end up in the personal files of scientists. Previous attempts to have copies of these reports sent to the Library have not been successful.

6. Deteriorating Library Materials as a result of poor ventilation. It is recommended that the whole library is air-conditioned in order to minimise the rate of deterioration.

21 NATIONAL NUCLEAR RESEARCH INSTITUTE {NNRI)

1. STRUCTURE The organisational structure of the Institute remained the same as in the previous year, i.e., three departments and four centres, namely: The Department of Nuclear Engineering: The Department of Physics; The Department of Chemistry; The Radiation Technology Centre (RTC); The Ghana Research Reactor-I Centre (GHARR-I); The Digital Electronics and Nuclear Instrumentation Centre (DENIC); and

DIRECTORS AND HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS & SECTIONS UNDER NNRI Left to Right: Dr. Akaho (Manager GHARR-1), Dr. A.W.K. Kere (Director, NNRI), Mr. G. Emi-Reynolds (Manager, RTC) Mr. Felix Adeku (NNRI) and Dr. E. Osae (Head of Physics Dept.,)

2. MAJOR FACILITIES 2.1 Research Reactor The reactor was functioning normally but was shut down between 1st August and 8th October 1996 after an inspection tour by the Radiation Protection Board (RPB). The institute decided to shut down the reactor to pre-empt any embarrassing reaction from the RPB.

Certain basic facilities like telephones, fire alarm systems, contamination monitors etc. which should have been provided were not present during the inspection tour. The RPB gave the institute a deadline to provide those facilities but these were not forthcoming hence the action taken by the institute. Between August and October some of these regulatory requirements like telephone and fire alarm systems were put in place, hence the re-start of the operation of the reactor. A few capital intensive items and facilities are yet to be provided before a permanent certificate is granted by the RPB. Since the commissioning of the reactor in 1995, it has been operating on temporary licence. Funds should be made available to provide the needed facilities to completely satisfy all the requirements of the Regulatory Body.

22 2.2 Nona-Destructive Testing Section

The above section which is under the Department of Nuclear Engineering received the second X-ray tube and its accessories which had been sent back to the manufacturers for repairs. The section now has two working radiography systems.

There was more commercial activity in the section than the previous year. Details of total income are not available because of the industrial action by the Senior Members.

The Head of the section carries a lot of responsibility and needs to be induced. It is recommended that some responsibility allowance be paid to him as is done in some sections under the GAEC Secretariat.

2.3 Gamma Irradiation Facility

With the exception of a few little problems, the operation of the facility has been normal. More goods than the facility can cater for were brought to the centre. There is the need to upgrade the facility to a purely commercial level. Money for this venture should be sought from the private sector both within and outside Ghana.

2.4 Radiotherapy Facility

The Ghana government has already spent more than two billion cedis on the Accra Radiotherapy Facility which is now nearly completed. Equipment from the IAEA has started arriving. The major teletherapy equipment is expected to arrive in July 1997. The centre should be operational by October next year, 1997.

Meanwhile scientists and technicians trained for the centre have started arriving. The five medical officers being trained in South Africa and the United States are also expected back in early 1998.

(A similar project has been started in Kumasi and is expected to be completed in 1998.)

3. RESEARCH

Even though research is supposed to be our main activity, release of funds to perform this function has been extremely difficult. For an institute with more than forty scientists the total amount of money released for research and other activites in the institute totalled ab©ut twenty million cedis.

Any research activity in the institute which progressed relied on funds from the IAEA which when totalled exceeded all the monies given to the institute by the government for research. By the end of the year, five research projects were being funded by the IAEA excluding the multi-million dollar Radiotherapy Model Project.

Most of the scientists have useful research projects but are unable to perform to their highest ability because of lack of very basic inputs like liquid nitrogen, small spares, chemicals etc This sort of environment does not augur well for the development of science and technology.

4. COMMERCIALIZATION

Some aspects of the institute's activities brought in some funds. These included:

(a) Nona-Destructive Testing; (b) Radiopharmacy and Nuclear Medicine; (c) Gamma Irradiation Facility (d) Glass Blowing; (e) Mechanical Workshop; and (f) Neutron Activation Analysis X-ray Fluorescence Analysis.

23 A total amount of nearly twenty million cedis was realised during the year through these commercial activities.

5. PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

The institute completed a four-room lab-cum-office for its staff on the second floor of the R.P. Baffour building from its own resources. Another office has been rehabilitated for the Administrative Officer to decongest the general office and hence increase efficiency.

NNRI BLOCK (R. P. BAFFOUR BUILDING)

6A. ABSTRACTS OR SUMMARIES OF RESEARCH WORK Tano Development and Power Projects: Baseline Environmental Studies.

S. Akoto Bamford, I. Aboh and F. G. Ofosu.

24 GHANA RESEARCH REACTOR-1 BUILDING

Air Quality Monitoring was carried out at Effasu (near Half-Assini) in the area of the Gas Power Project of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation.

The following parameters were analysed to describe the baseline environmental setting at the project site:

- total suspended particles (TSP); - Inhalable particulate matter (PM10); - toxic contaminants; - detectable trace elements; - naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM); - SO2 (sulphur dioxide) - NOx (oxides of nitrogen); and

- CO (carbon monoxide).

2. Speciation Studies of Arsenic in some Ghanaian Gold Tailings.

(Khalid Ahmed, S. Akoto Bamford, S. Dogbe.) The objective was to determine levels of Arsenic species,As(+3) and As(+5) in gold tailings from gold mining activity at Obuasi and surrounding fields. This project was supported by The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in collaboration with the Chemistry Department of the University of Ghana, Legon. Support came to an end in the course of the year, 1996.

A simple but effective method was developed for the separation of arsenic species by solvent extraction into Methyl iso-butyl Ketone (MIBK). The method was able to extract 75% As(+3) and 1.3% As(+5) from gold tailings obtained from Obuasi Goldfields. Relative amount of As(+3) obtained by NAA was about 6% while the mean total arsenic as determined by AAS was 8305 ppm. Other elements i.e. Au, Cu, Fe, Hg, Sm and W were

25 Sm and W obtained by NAA and AAS were found in the range 6 - 59,000 ppm.

3 Standardisation of GHARR-1 Spectroscopy System for Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA)

E. K. Osae, G. K. Amoh, B. J. B. Nyarko and Y. Serfor-Armah.

The objective of this work was to obtain quantitative calibration factors for various elements covering a wide range of the periodic table of interest in INAA. This was done using 5 standard reference materials, 6 pure elements, and 5 chemically pure compounds for Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis using the Absolute Method. The quantitative calibration when validated using NBS SRM 1533 a Coal Fly Ash gave good results compared to the certified values.

4. Multi-element Analysis of Ant-Hill

E. K. Osae, G. K. Amoh, B. J. B. Nyarko and Y. Serfor-Armah.

Ant hills are common along the length and breadth of the Country and are used in

(a) making fire-place tripod for cooking, (b) making oven for baking, and (c) as rural building materials

The study throws more light on the chemical (elements) properties that make the ant hill versatile in its applications.

5. Alternative Method of Calculating Thyroid Update

J. M. Akudugu.

One of the investigations carried out by the Nuclear Medicine Unit (NMU) is the study of thyroid-related abnor- malities. The current technique of using radiation counts in defined regions of interest, in gamma camera images, to analyse for thyroid uptake of Technicium- 99 is tedious and time consuming. The study carried out sought to determine a faster method by establishing a relationship between the fractional uptake of the thyroid organ and the uptake obtained by the conventional method.

A total of 63 patients, aged between 14 and 75 years were involved in this study. A strong linear relationship between the fraction uptake and the conventional uptake has been established with a regression coefficient of 0 .97. This work is to be continued.

6. The Diagnosis and follow-up of Prostate Cancer by R.I.A.

K. Oti-Gyamfi, I. K. Wilson and E. A. Aryeetey

The project started in November 1996 after receiving equipment, materials and bulk reagents from the International Atomic Energy Agency. Forty (40) samples were analysed during the period under review, using RIA. The results indicate good concurrence with other clinical tests for cancer of the prostate. The results have been useful in the management of patients with cancer of the prostate.

7. Detection of Tuberculosis by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

I. K. Wilson, K. Oti-Gyamfi and E. A. Aryeetey

This was an IAEA supported research contract. The staff in the laboratory demonstrated the ability to use PCR to detect the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis. Financial assistance from the IAEA came to an end during the year under review and the laboratory is seeking assistance for the continuation of the project due to the initial success of the project. A scientist is currently undergoing training at Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) in order to facilitate the implementation of the project.

26 8. Determination of Iron in Some Plants used by Herbalist in the Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Ghana C. Debrah, S. A. Dogbe and B. K. Osafo

Tree barks, roots and leaves of selected plants were analysed for their iron content. These were found to be in the range 74.777 - 788. 16ug/g. Work is on -going.

9. Radiation of Waste Water from Textile Industries in Ghana

S. A. Dogbe, B. K. Osafo and C. Debrah

The objective is to establish the potential for using radiation in decolorization and decomposition of dyestuffs and other chemicals in waste waters from textile industries. This project is an IAEA supported research contract, RC/GHA/9178. Contacts were made with four (4) major textile industries i.e. Akosombo Textiles Ltd (ATL.) Akosombo, Ghana Textile Printing (GTP) Tema, Ghana Textile Manufacturing Company (GTMC) Tema and Freedom Textiles Company (Accra).

The main pollution from almost all these industries included Reactive and Vat dyes and synthetic pigments. Also identified are chemicals that are used for bleaching viz: NaC1, Na2CC>3, NaNC>2 Na2S2C>4 H2SO4 and others. Work is on-going.

10 Persistence and Fate of Soil Applied Radiolabelled Lindane in a Maize Ecosystem

P. O. Yeboah, K. G. Montford'*, F. E. Appoh and D. K. Dodoo

27 Radiolabelled lindane applied to soil surface in a maize ecosystem (one month after planting) has been found to be taken up by the plant. Within the first 25 days of treatment, radiolabelled pesticides could be found within the entire plant with the greatest concentration in lower leaves (from the ground level); and a sharp build up in iindane concentration towards the tip of each leaf. Radioactivity and hence pesticide concentration was uni- formly distributed in the plant with time; to the extent that, measurable levels of pesticides were detected in tussel cob and grain. This indicated that soil applied lindane was available to the maize plant.

The persistence of radiolabelled lindane in soils of variable organic matter content was also studied. Results show that radiolabelled lindane dissipates faster in soils of lower organic matter content. Levels of surface applied pesticides that became bound in the soil increased with time after application, and also with increasing organic matter content. Radioactivity was mainly associated with the top soil layer (0-3cm).

11. Fate and Distribution of Lindane and Endosulphan in Maize and Cowpea Ecosystems respectively

P.O Yeboah, K.G. Montford, R.K. Klake* and C. K. Akpabli*

A quantitative study is presented on lindane and endosulphan residues in maize and cowpea ecosystems respectively. Both pesticides were found to dissipate very fast under the tropical Ghanaian conditions. In both cases, the rate of dissipation was found to be higher from leaves than in soils. The higher rate of dissipation in leaves have been attributed to the fact that the leaves were more exposed to sunshine and wind leading to increased volatilization. Endosulphan was found to dissipate faster from the cowpea ecosystem than lindane did in the maize ecosystem. The residue levels of lindane in maize grains harvested from the treated farm were found to be 0.02ug/g; whilst residue levels of endosulphan in cowpea seeds were found to be 0.05 ug/g. These levels are lower than the recommended maximum residue limits of Codex Alimentarus Commission.

12. Development of Methods for Screening Pesticides Residues in Vegetables and Oils-

P.O. Yeboah, S. Afful.

This project was accepted during the last quarter of the year 1996 by the IAEA for funding as a research contract GH/9370. Work on this project is expected to begin early next year. The scientific background of the project is that GOC and HPLC used for pesticide residue analysis pose several problems in developing countries, in particular the non-availability of spare parts, high purity gases and solvents. Consequently many laboratories in such countries are unable to perform residue analysis on a sustained basis. This problem has dictated the need to develop alternative less sophisticated methods for screening purposes to reduce the number of samples that must be analysed by GC/HPLC. This project therefore is being initiated to investigate the possibility of using TLC detection in combination with recently introduced clean up methods for providing an alternative cost effective analytical procedure for screening pesticides in selected vegetables and oils.

13. Seaweed as Bioindicators for Monitoring Toxic Element Pollutants in the Marine Environment

Yaw Serfor-Armah, B.J.B. Nyarko, E.K. Osae

This research is funded under an IAEA Research Contract

The preliminary work which began this year involved the collection of various seaweed samples from the Accra-Tema coastline After air drying the samples, they were homogenised and subjected to instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). Elements of interest include Au. Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, Sb, Zn, and others. The project is on-going.

14. PC. Based Inductance and Capacitance Tester P. K. Obeng and S. K. Asante

The Digital Electronic and Nuclear Instrumentation Centre was among the few instrumentation centres around the world which were selected by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to participate in a research project on "Development of Computer based Troubleshooting Tools and Instruments".

28 15. The Effect of Gamma Radiation on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of some Local Materials G. K. Banini, G. Emi-Reynolds and I. Ennison

Materials like polymers and plastics are used in many areas of human endeavour. In connection with the commercial activities of the Radiation Technology Centre, either the products (e g. surgical gauze, intravenous infusion sets) or their packaging material (being polymers or plastics) are subjected to intense radiation doses for the purpose of sterilization.

It has been established that above 10kGy, some physical and mechanical properties of some polymers are affected due to cross-linkage and polymerization. The effect may tend to improve on the overall quality of the product or rather have a negative effect on the material most often with ageing. The objective of this new project proposal is to study the effect of radiation on the materials which are treated by the Centre under its commercial activities. It is also intended that other polymer materials would be investigated to improve the quality of these products.

Additionally, dosimetry plays an indispensable role in radiation processing, be it for research, pilot scale studies or for commercial processing. However, materials and chemicals for radiation dosimetry are always imported thus increasing the processing cost unnecessarily. The other aim of this project is to investigate locally made materials like plastics, dyes and thermoluminiscent materials for their use as dosimetry systems.

16. Doserate Monitoring using locally available Commercial Semiconductor Diodes

I. Ennison, G. Emi-Reynolds, and G. K. Banini

In all radiation processing activities there is always the need for an initial doserate mapping of the radiation field inside and outside the product. This helps to relate, the air equivalent dose (i.e.dose outside product) to the actual dose delivered to the product.

17. Radiation Polymerization of Impregnated Tropical Lesser-Used Wood Species

G. Emi-Reynolds, G. K. Banini and J. Gyima-Buadi (Forest Research Institute)

The problems of boring insects, fungal attacks and poor mechanical properties of some wood species negates the use of many tropical wood species for economic activities. This inability to use such wood species puts so much pressure on the few forests which leads to the high rate of deforestation with its attendant environmental consequences.

It is known that if some wood species are impregnated with some monomers and irradiated, polymerization greatly improves the durability of this wood, a process called "wood plastic" If successfully applied, many more wood species could become available for use in industry and hence reduce the pressure on the forests.

Status: Awaiting inputs to begin. Expected to last for 3 years.

Socio-economic benefits: Materials traditionally wasted can be put to effective use, reduce the rate of deforestation and provide more inputs for building and construction industries. The cost of building will effectively be reduced and made affordable to the public.

Nuclear Engineering Department

Scientists and engineers of the Nuclear Engineering Department were engaged in various individual and group research activities. The Research Programmes in the following broad areas were in progress:- 1. Neutronic Calculations; 2. Shielding Calculations; 3. Steady State and Transient Thermal-Hydraulic Calculations: 4. Estimation of Specific Activities of Radioisotopes using GHARR-I; 5. Theoretical Study on Reactor Noise;

29 6. Energy Planning; 7. Non-Destructive Evaluation; and 8. Structural Mechanics

Collaborative research activities were done with universities of Ghana and Cape Coast. Post-graduates and under-graduates carry out research programmes with scientists of the Department.

7B. PUBLICATIONS AND CONFERENCE PAPERS

Andam, K. A. and Manama, M. S. (1996) "Evaluation of Radiation Induced Thermal Stresses in a Reinforced Concrete Shield with Computer Code NUCLAS" Journal of the University of Science and Technology, Kumasi. Vol. 16, Nos. 1 & 2: 34- 40, Feb / June. 1996.

2) Akaho, E. H. K., Anim-Sampong, S., Maakuu, B. T. and Dodoo-Amoo, D. N. A. (1996) "Dynamic Feedback Characteristics of Ghana Research Reactor 1 ", A paper in IAEA-SR-018, IAEATECDOC, Proceedings of International Seminar on Developments on Enhancement of Research Reactor Utilisation. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay/Bombay, India, 11-15 March, 1996.

3) Akaho, E. H. K., and Maakuu, B. T. (1996) "Nuclear Safety-Related Calculations for Ghana Research Reactor-1 Core" Proceedings of 5th Asian Symposium on Research Reactors (ASRR-V). Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Taejon, Korea, pp.675, May 29 -31, 1996.

4) Akaho, E. H. K., "Isodep, A Fuel Depletion Analysis Code Predicting Isotopic Changes in Research Reactor Cores" Discovery and Innovation, Journal of the African Academy of Sciences (in print).

5) Maakuu, B.T. and Akaho, E. K. (1995) "Computer Modelled Nuclear Design of a Subcritical Assembly Driven by Isotopic Neutron Sources". Journal of the University of Science and Technology. Vol. 15, Nos. 2 & 3: 103 111, June/Oct. 1995.

6) Akaho, E.H.K., (1995) "Burnout Correlations for Even and Odd-Numbered Peripheral Rod Cluster Over Low Pressure Range". Journal of the University of Science and Technology, Vol.15, Nos. 2 & 3: 112-123, June/Oct. 1995.

7) Danso, K. A., (1996). "Non-Destructive Testing of Building Materials". Journal of Applied Sciences and Technology, Vol.1, Nos. 1 & 2: 85-91. 1996.

8) Boadu, H. O. (1996) "The Public and the Energy Option". Paper presented at the GAEC/IAEA Seminar on the Understanding and Implementation of the Regulations on Radioactive Waste Management in Ghana, 9- 11 October, 1996.

9) Akaho, E.H.K. (1996) "Conduct of Operations at Ghana Research Reactor-I Centre and Proposals for Integrated Safety Assessment of Research Reactors (INSARR) Missions". Paper IAEA-AG-947/3, IAEA Advisory Group on Safety Appraisal of Project Facilities, Vienna. 11-15 Nov. 1996.

Osae, E. K and Amoh, G. (1996) "Multi-element Analysis of Gold Ore Mill Heads by INAA", Journal of U.S.T., Kumasi. Vol 16, Nos 1&2 (1966): 104-107.

11) Aniagyei, H. M. Oppon, O. C. and Kyere, A.W.K., (1996) "Indoor Radon Measurement in Traditionally Constructed Houses in Ghana", Journal of U. S. T., Kumasi. Vol. 16, No 3 : 105-107.

12) Debrah, C, Dogbe, S. A. and Osafo, B. K. "Physico-Chemical Changes in Gamma Irradiated PVC and PEVA Plastic Medical Devices - Accepted for publication in Journal of UST, Kumasi.

30 6C TECHNICAL REPORTS

1) Qazi, K. M., Akaho, E. H. K., Boadu, H. O., Maakuu, B. T. and Anim-Sampong S., (1996), "Nuclear Core Design Analysis of Ghana Research Reactor-I"., GAEC/NNRI Technical Report .

2) Adu, P. S. and Akaho, E. H. K. (1996) "Determination of Mixing Effects in Chemical Reactors using Radioactive Tracers", GAEC/NNRI Technical Report.

3) Akaho, E. H. K and Maaku, B. T, "Models and Methods of Neutronic Calculations for Ghana Research Reactor-I Core", GAEC/NNRI RT-34.

4) Akaho, E. H. K. and Maaku. B. T. (1996) "Comparison of Some Measured and Calculated Nuclear Parameters for Ghana Research Reactor-I Core". GAEC/NNRI Technical Report.

5) Amanor, E., Akaho, E. H. K. and Osae, E. K. (1996) "Multi-elemental analysis of Dental Creams Using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis'. GAEC/NNRI Technical Report.

6) Akaho, E. H. K. and Aboagye, S. K. A. (1996) "Analysis of Research Reactor Transients- Calculational Method for transient Analysis of Ghana Research Reactor-1", Progress Report on IAEA Research Contract 8089/RB-l, Sept, 1996.

7) Emi-Reynolds,G., Banini, G. K. and Ennison, I. (1996) "Dosimetry Practices at the Radiation Technology Centre CAEC/NNRI Technical Report.

8) Emi-Reynolds, G., Banini, G. K. and Akaho, E. H. K. (1996) "Practical Evaluation of the Biological Shielding Effectiveness of the Gamma Irradiation Facility at Kwabenya. GAEC\NNRI Technical Report.

6D. TRAINING COURSES/WORKSHOPS/FELLOWSHIPS

1) Dr. E. H. K. Akaho participated in an IAEA International Training Course on Implementation of State Systems of Accounting for and Control of Nuclear Materials, St. Petersburg, The Russian Federation, 17-27 June 1996.--

2) Dr. E. H. K. Akaho attended Regional (AFRA) Workshop on Research Reactor Utilisation, Pelindaba, South Africa, October, 1996.

3) Messrs. P. S. Sumah and E. O. Amponsah-Abu participated in Workshop on Maintenance and Trouble Shooting of Radiation Monitoring Equipment, Johannesburg, South Africa, Oct. 1996.

4) Mr. B. T. Maakuu attended the Workshop on Nuclear Reaction Data and Nuclear Reactors - Physics, Design and Safety. 15 April - 17 May, 1996 organised by International Centre for Theoretical Physics. Trieste, Italy.

5) Dr. K. A. Danso participated in the Training Course on Quality Management of NDT in Cairo, Egypt from 20-25 June, 1996.

6) Dr. K. A. Danso was invited to the NDT Formulation Meeting in Tunis, Tunisia from 20 - 24 May, 1996.

7) Dr. H.O. Boadu attended a Regional Training Course on a National System Required for the Management of Radioactive Waste from Nuclear Applications in Cairo, Egypt from 1-19 June, 1996.

8) Dr. H.O. Boadu participated in GAEC/IAEA Seminar on the Understanding and Implementation of the Regulations on Radioactive Waste Management in Ghana from 9-11 October, 1996.

9) Messrs. D.N.A. Dodoo-Amoo and E. Amanor participated in an AFRA Regional Training Course on Safety

31 Documentation for Research Reactors, Cairo, Egypt. 9-20 March, 1996.

10) Mr. D.N.A. Dodoo-Amoo attended the Regional (AFRA) Training Course for Adoption and Harmonisation of Safety Regulations in Radioactive Waste Management, Rabat, Morocco from 8-12 Jan., 1996.

11) Dr. I. K. Wilson, Messrs E. A. Aryeetey and O. K. Gyamfi actively participated in the AFRA V Formulation Meeting organised by IAEA and hosted by GAEC from 12-16 February, 1996

12) Messrs. O.K. Gyamfi, S. A. Dogbe, C. Debrah and B. K. Osafo attended the Ghana Science Association's 6th Biennial Workshop on "Standards for Developments" held in Accra on 1st August, 1996.

13) Mr C. Debrah participated in the 9th Biennial Conference of the Ghana Chemical Society held at the University of Cape Coast from 31st May - 1st June, 1996. He presented a paper entitled 'Determination of Iron in some Plants used by Ghanaian Herbalists in the treatment of Iron Deficiency Anaemia'.

14) Dr. I. K. Wilson attended a Final Research Co-ordination Meeting (RCM) on 'Nuclear Techniques in the Diagnosis of Bacterial and Viral Infections' in Nairobi, Kenya from 24 to 27 September, 1996.

15) Dr. I. K. Wilson participated in the AFRA V Co-ordination Meeting held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 16- 20 December, 1996.

16.) Dr. P. O. Yeboah attended an FAO/IAEA Symposium on the Use of Nuclear and related Techniques for studying environmental behaviour of crop protection chemicals' in Vienna, Austria from 1 - 5 July, 1996.

17) Mr. O. K. Gyamfi attended a Regional Training Course on "Hospital Radiopharmacy" organised by IAEA at the Tygerberg Hospital University of Stellenbosch. Cape Town, South Africa from 7-18 October, 1996.

18) Mr. E. A. Aryeetey attended a Regional Training Course on 'Primary Reagents for Neonatal Hyperthyroid Screening by Radioimmunoassay1 organised by IAEA in Cairo, Egypt from 7-18 September, 1996.

19.) Mr. Y. Serfor-Armah participated in an Inter-regional Training Course on the 'Determination of Radionuclides in Environmental Samples' organised by the IAEA at Seibersdorf, Austria and Karlrusche, Germany from 15 April - 10 May, 1996.

20) Messrs. K. Ahmed, C. B. J. Semanhyia and Y. Serfor-Armah participated in an IAEA sponsored Training Course on 'Neutron Activation Analysis" organised by an IAEA Visiting Expert, Prof. Chatt.

21) Mr. J. M. Akudugu, attended an IAEA sponsored course (3 weeks) for Nuclear Medicine Technologist in South Africa.

22) Messrs F. G. Ofosu, I. J. K. Aboh, S. A. Bamford attended the International Scientific Meeting (3 days) on "Sustainable Practices in Environment, Health and Information Activities in Africa" in Accra, Ghana.

23) Mr. S. A. Bamford attended the Research Coordination Meeting in Italy, on "Nuclear Techniques for the Evaluation of healing pathways of pollutant damage in the environment.

24) Mr. B. J. B. Nyarko, undertook a 3-month IAEA fellowship training at SLOWPOKE-2 Facility at Dalhousie University in Canada; and M.Phil. Physics programme at the University of Ghana.

25) Dr. E. K. Osae, attended a 2 weeks IAEA AFRA XI Regional Training Course on "Utilisation of Research Reactors" in South Africa. 26) Mr. A. L. Okang attended 2-Week workshop on "Design and Development of Nuclear Instruments" in Ethiopia.

27) Mr. J. V. Dabidzo, attended 2-week Regional Workshop and Maintenance of Cobalt 60 Radiotherapy Equipment in Sudan.

28) Mr. J. V. Dabidzo, attended a 2-month Fellowship on Radiotherapy Equipment in China.

32 29) Mr. E. K. Mornoh, attended a 2-week Regional Regional Workshop and Maintenance of Cobalt-60 Radiotherapy Unit in Sudan.

30) Mr. S. K. Asante attended a one-week International Training Course on "Preventive Maintenance, Quality Control and Upgrading of Nuclear Instruments". 31) Mr. P. K. Obeng attended a 3-week Basic VLSI Design -Techniques training programme in Italy.

6E. EXPERT MISSIONS

1) Dr. G. Por of Technical University of Budapest, Hungary assessed the potential of using the reactor for reactor noise studies. He gave lectures in the field. His mission was from 20-28 January, 1996.

2). Dr. A. Karim of PINSTECH, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission was at the Centre from 25 April - 5 June 1996 to deliver lectures on reactor control and instrumentation. He also gave advise on the estab lishment of a laboratory for the maintenance and repair of reactor instrumentation and controls.

3) Mr. M. Quazi of Institute of Nuclear Power, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission assisted counterparts of the Department to perform neutronic calculations for the core during the period of 9 June - 2 July, 1996

4). Professor A. Chatt of Dalhouise University visited the Centre and delivered lectures and supervised staff in the field of neutron activation analysis technique. He also identified relevant equipment for the sam pie preparation room and counting room. His mission which started from 7 July ended on the 26 July, 1996.

6F. COLLABORATION 1) Two undergraduates from the University of Ghana carried out their research projects in the Department of Physics.

2) The NAA Laboratory also collaborated in carrying out two M.Phil, thesis projects of students from the Ulniversity of Science and Technology and the University of Ghana

3) Dr. Alberic Kodia Ahiman of the Laboratoire National de la Sante' Publique of Cote d'lvoire spent five weeks at the Institute as part of the agreement between the two organisations.

7. PROBLEMS

The Institute and its departments encountered numerous problems during the year. Prominent among them were the following:

1) Woefully inadequate research funding; 2) Non-availability of field vehicle; 3) Frequent breakdown of major equipment and lack of spare parts to repair them; 4) Heavy termite infestation of Chemistry Department; 5) Lack of running water in Chemistry Laboratory; 6) Shortage of manpower especially in DENIC; and 7) Industrial action by Scientists and its adverse effect on productivity;

8. MAJOR OBJECTIVES FOR 1997

1. Complete the Accra Radiotherapy Centre. 2 Increase the activity of the NDI section to capture about 50% of the market. 3. Complete negotiations for the upgrading of the Gamma Irradiation facility. 4. Rehabilitate Chemistry Department including broken equipment in anticipation of National Pesticide Formulation Laboratory. 5 Rehabilitate Liquid Nitrogen Plant. 6. Intensify the activities of the Integrated Analytical Services Group. 7. Satisfy all regulatory requirements for the operation of GHARR - 1.

33 BIOTECHNOLOGY AND NUCLEAR AGRICULTURE RESEARCH INSTITUTE (BNARI)

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI), was established in September, 1993, with three departments viz. Department of Food Science and Radiation Processing (DFSRP), Department of Plant and Soil Science (DPSS) and Department of Animal Science (DAS).

2.0 AIM AND GOALS

The Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI) has the potential to make an impact on agricultural development in the country. The institute aims at improving food security by advancing, through research and related development and training programmes, the sustainable improvements in agricultural production and productivity. Biotechnology and nuclear and related molecular genetic techniques are used to improve food hygiene and safety in order to control food losses; to improve hygiene and safety of medical, environmental and pharmaceutical products; and for the improvement of crops for better yield, resistance to diseases and pests and, tolerance to physiological and climatic stresses, BNARI also aims at using nuclear and biotechnology techniques for studies and development of appropriate methods for improving animal nutrition, productivity and health and for controlling insect pests and vector.

3.0 PERSONNEL

This Institute has a staff strength of fifty-six (56). This is made up of twenty (20) scientists, seventeen (17) technical staff and nineteen (19) supporting staff.

4.0 BNARI BUILDING:

The GAEC in 1995, set in motion plans to provide permanent building for BNARI which has been using the premises of the NNRI. The GAEC contracted the Design Environment Group, (Consulting Architects and Engineers) to prepare architectural and engineering design proposals for the project which is to be carried out in phases. The site for this project is located south-east of the main Administration building within the premises of the GAEC, Kwabenya.

Construction of the first phase of the project comprising laboratories for Tissue Culture and Molecular Biology, and an administration building for the Institute is being carried out by China State Construction Company, as contractors. Construction started in late 1995. Progress of work was steady until work was suspended in November 1996 after funds were exhausted.

34 DIRECTOR AND HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS & SECTIONS UNDER BNARI

Front Row (L - R): Mrs. Victoria Appiah (Head, DFSRP), Mr. G. Y. P. Klu (Director, BNARI) and Dr. Mrs. Delphina A. Adable-Gomez (Head, DAS) Back Row(L - R): Mr. Kojo G. Montford (Head, Radiation Processing Section), Dr. C. K. desBordes (Head, Animal Science Section), Dr. H. M. Amoatey (Head, DPSS) and Mr. C. E. Annoh (Head, Entomology Section)

35 5.0 MANAGEMENT BOARD

Prof. J. C. Norman Deputy Director-General Chairman (CSIR-Agric. Research) Mr G. Y. P. Klu Director, BNARI Member Dr. Eric Kwei Pioneer Food Cannery, Tema Member Prof. S. K. A. Danso Soil Science Dept., UG, Legon Member Dr. Francis Ofori Director, Crop Services Dept, MOFA, Accra Member Dr. S. Twumasi-Afriyie Crops Research Institute, Kumasi Member Dr. J. K. Obinim Director, Vet. Services (MOFA), Accra Member Mrs. Abigail Andah Director, Food Research Institute (CSIR) Member Dr. A. W. K. Kyere Director, NNRI GAEC Member Mrs. Victoria Appiah BNARI (Heads of Departments Rep.) Member Mr. Charles Gbedemah BNARI (Senior Members Association Rep.) Member Mr. C. F. S. Edmundson BNARI (Senior Staff Association Rep.) Member Ms. E. B Tamakloe BNARI, Snr. Administrative Secretary Secretary

6.0 RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AND ABSTRACTS OF PROJECTS

6.1. PLANT BREEDING

Research in Plant Breeding using in vitro culture and mutation breeding techniques is centred around improvement of five main crops. These are cassava, yam, plantain, banana and pineapple.

Plantain / Banana Programme

Breeding of these crops is for resistance against Black sigatoga disease. This project which involves the use of in vitro mutation breeding techniques started in the year under review. In addition to the breeding programme, micropropagation of planting materials of plantain and banana were undertaken. These materials were provided to a number of institutions including the Grains and Legumes Development Board and a team of researchers working under the National Agricultural Research Project (NARP).

Production of these planting materials will be increased in the coming year and will be in full production for distribution to farmers when the Tissue Culture Laboratory under construction is completed.

Pineapple Programme

Two cultivators of pineapple namely "Smooth Cayene" and "Sugar Loaf" were cultured in vitro to produce planting materials. The field performance of these planting materials were evaluated along naturally produced suckers. Results indicate that the planting materials derived from in vitro culture can be used for establishing pineapple plantations.

Yam Programme

The development of micro-tubers of yam in vitro for production of seed yam continued. Micro-tubers have been generated from nodal cuttings of yams. However, on-going research aims at an increase in the size of these micro-tubers in order to enhance seed yam production.

Cassava Programme

Studies involving cassava include mutation breeding for species resistant to the African Cassava Mosaic Virus (ACMV); epidemiology of ACMV in Ghana in relation to resistance or susceptibility of local cassava cultivars; and screening for embryogenic competence in some of the local varieties. A number of mutant lines in respect of the ACMV are being evaluated, while the studies on epidemiology is in progress. Many of The local cassava varieties being studied have been found to be embryogenically competent. The next phase is to use these results for genetic improvement of cassava.

36 6.1.1. Breeding for Resistance against Black Sigatoka Disease of Plantains and Banana Using In Vitro Mutagenesis

Amoatey, H. M., Torto, G. and Gyamerah, W. K.

A radio-sensitivity test was conducted using gamma rays to determine an effective dose for irradiating in vitro cultures of shoot tips of "Grand Naine" banana towards breeding for resistance against Black Sigatoka disease. Doses used were 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 Gy. Shoot tips were cultured in both liquid and solid MS media supplemented with phytohormones following irradiation in a controlled room with temperature of 25 °C and light intensity of 3,500 lux. Whereas doses of 10 and 20 Gy caused no visible changes in weight or proliferation rate of shoot tips, doses above 40 Gy resulted in severe stunting and blackening of tissues. GR 50 was estimated to be 30 Gy. This dose was therefore chosen for subsequent irradiation of shoot tips for mass propagation (up to 3,000 plantlets) and selected against the Black Sigatoka disease.

6.1.2 Improvement of Pineapple (Ananas Coamosus) Using Biotechnology and Mutation Breeding Techniques. (IAEA RC No. GHA 8291)

Lokko. Y., Amoatey. H. M., Gasu, E. and Quaye, B.

During the period under review, two experiments were carried out. They are:

6.1.2..1 Selection of heat and drought tolerant variants in pineapple plants derived from radiosensitivity studies.

Plantlets generated from irradiated explants were transferred to the greenhouse for selection. Prior to planting in soil, plantlets where gently washed in water to remove all traces of agar on the roots and then planted in soil-lifted polythene bags. The potted plantlets were then placed in a heat chamber (day temperatures 45 °C and night temperature 40 °C) and watered with 6.6 m.ml raizal solution for two weeks and subsequently with water. Generally, the temperature in the heat chamber was favourable for the acclimatisation of the plant- let derived from all treatments. Plantlets weaned under the higher temperature conditions grew faster than those weaned under conventional methods (22 °C humidity chamber for 2-3 months; 23 °C cold room for 4- 6 weeks; and plant barn for 4-6 weeks).

After 5 months, the weaned plants where transferred directly to field (September 1996, at the end of the rainy season) and were irrigated once weekly to mimic drought conditions for further selection and evaluations. On the field, the "Sugar Loaf variety was more successful than the "Smooth Cayenne", variants. Generally, there was a higher rate of survival in plants from controls experiments (i.e. 0 Gy) than in plants from irradiated explants for both varieties.

The observations from these experiments suggest that:- i) Pineapple plantlets can grow at temperatures up to 45 °C and that gamma radiation dose not affect their ability to do so, and

ii) Gamma radiation has an adverse effect on the natural ability of pineapple plants to survive drought.

6.1.2.2 In Vitro mutation induction in "Sugar Loaf" Pineapple using Gamma Radiation.

A total of 200 explants from suckers of "Sugar Loaf" pineapples after surface sterilization were excised as described before and placed in liquid shoot proliferation medium. After 2 days the expanded explants were irradiated with 40 Gy gamma radiation from a gamma irradiation facility, then immediately transferred into fresh medium. After two micropropagation cycles plantlets were generated and then transferred to the green-house. These are currently being weaned in the heat chamber green-house. A second batch of 200 explants has been irradiated and are currently in culture.

37 6.1.3 Agronomic Evaluation of Tissue Culture plantlets of Pineapple

Amoatey, H. M., Osei-Kofi, R, Gasu, E. and Quaye, B.

Two cultivars of pineapple namely "Smooth Cayenne" and "Sugar Loaf" were cultured in vitro to produce propagules. The performance of these were evaluated on the field alongside naturally produced suckers in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Parameters evaluated were number of days to flow- ering, number of days to fruit maturity, fruit weight, fruit girth and number of suckers at harvest. "Sugar Loaf" fruited earlier than "Smooth Cayenne" and produced smaller fruits. However, there were no significant differ- ences between in vitro plants and naturally produced suckers with respect to all parameters investigated. The use of in vitro plants for establishing pineapple plantations is therefore recommended.

PLATE 1 - A TECHNICIAN CHECKING THE TISSUE CULTURED PLANTS IN THE GROWTH ROOM FOR COMTAMINATION

6.1.4 Improving the Tuber Size of Tissue Cultured Yam Danso, K. E., Lokko, Y. and Dinku, E. This project aims at enhancing the survival rate and improving the size of tissue cultured yam plantlets. The first phase which involves increasing the survival rate of in vitro regenerated yam plantlets had been completed. The results showed that yam plantlets can successfully be weaned in an ordinary top soil with higher survival rate than perlite which is an imported substrate (See Technical Report., 1995). Survival rate

38 was however found to be dependent on the cultivar. The results further indicate that IITA improved yam cultivars had higher survival rate than the Ghanaian cultivars. The second phase of the project involved improving the tuber size of the surviving yam plantlets. About 900 yam plantlets comprising two Ghanaian cultivars and three IITA improved cultivars were generated on MS medium supplemented with 20g/l sucrose. These plantlets were hardened on the following substrates: a Soil (Control) b. Soil + Cowdung (1:1) c. Soil + Cowdung (1:2) d. Soil + NPK e. Soil + Sulphate of ammonia.

The effect of these subtrates on tuber size is yet to be analysed.

6.1.5. The Epidemiology of ACMV in Ghana in Relation to Resistance or Susceptibility of Local Cassava Cultivars (IITA ESCaPP Research Project) Ahiabu, R.K., Msikita W. (IITA) and Dinku, E. Results of multi-location trials conducted during 1995. were taken. These were trials conducted in four agroe- cological zones to assess the effect of ACMV infection in disease- free and ACMV- infected cuttings of four cultivars. Results are currently being analysed. A second trial using cuttings of the 1995 trial at kwabenya was established on station to further evaluate the quality and performance in relation the first trial at the same location. A field trial to evaluate 54 cultivars collected during 1995, was also established to assess their performance in terms of yield and general disease susceptibility. Disease scores for ACMV, anthracnosis and leave spots were taken during the year. Cooking quality aspect of these cultivars is being done by Dr. Josephine Nketsia-Tabiri of the Department of Food Science and Radiation Processing of BNARI.

6.1.6. Screening for Embryogenic Competence in Some Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Cultivars in Ghana Danso, K. E. and Ahiabu, R. K. The Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI) has 55 different cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) cultivars of diverse morphological and agronomic traits. Genetic manipulation of these cultivars to produce pest and disease resistant genotypes cannot be achieved through conventional breeding but possible through novel biotechnological methods. To achieve this, an efficient regeneration system is a necessary pre-requisite. Somatic embryogenesis thus far has been considered as efficient regeneration system. It can also lend itself to genetic manipulation of the crop. This project therefore aims at producing disease-free planting materials of cassava via somatic embryogenesis. The somatic embryos will serve as basis for improvement of the crop through the use of induced mutation or molecular biology technique. Work done so far involved screening of five cultivars for their embryogenic competence on Murashighe and Skoog (1992) basal salts supplemented with 16mg/l 2-4-D using lead lobe explants. Results indicate that all the cultivars are embryogenically competent as they all formed embryogenic calli.

Maturation of globular embryos into cotyledonary stage was however very low. There was also profuse production of foliose structures indicating the embryonic competence of the cultivars. Investigations into embryogenic efficiency are still in progress.

39 6.2 ANIMAL SCIENCE

6.2.1 Control of Riverine Tsetse Flies Using Sterile Insect Technique

Adabie-Gomez, D. A., Annoh, C. E., Ewusie, E. A., Nkumsah, A. and Asante, C. A.

Routine maintenance of laboratory colonies of two species of riverine tsetse flies using in vitro feeding technique is progressing satisfactorily. Efforts were made to collect blood from the newly established modern slaughtering house at Kpong farms in Akuse. Although the conditions are acceptable for the collection of good quality blood in that facility, slaughtering is not regular making it impossible to stockpile good quantity of quality blood over a long period of time. Blood is therefore being collected from a less hygienic abbatoir at James Town and this has resulted in high mortality and low reproductive performance in the last 5 months of the year.

1 PLATE 2 - TSETSE REARING INSECTARY SHOWING ADULT FLIES IN CAGES ON THE HOLDING TROLLEYS

Radiation dose of 160 Gy at a distance of 50 cm from the gamma source achieved the 95% sterility needed for mass sterilization of males of this species. Work on G. p. palpalis is continuing and will be completed early next year.

Field trips to Northern Ghana to monitor natural tsetse population in target areas prior to SIT programme was suspended owing to technical and financial constraints. However, the laboratory study on the stability of fluorescent dust and acrylic paints to be used in marking flies for dispersal and survival studies in the field has been completed.

40 Socio-economic studies and surveys planned to determine the needs and constraints of crops and livestock farmers in the selected tsetse-infested areas prior to the control programme are yet to take off. The information is needed for planning fly releases, assessing level of community participation in the tsetse control programme and impact assessment studies after the releases. Preparation of the relevant questionnaires is far advanced.

Training of field personnel and participating farmers in both social and technical skills to ensure the sustain- ability of the tsetse control programme has also been delayed due to financial constraint and technical rea- sons.

IAEA's support for this project was terminated in 1995. This was mainly due to the inadequate counterpart funds which was responsible for the low implementation rate of the field aspect of the project. Within the year under review, this project received 1.343 million cedis which was disbursed as follows 0400,000.00 for laboratory rearing of tsetse flies and one field trip costing 0943,000.00.

6.2.2 Laboratory Studies on Stability of Day-Glo Fluorescent Dust and Acrylic Oil Paint Used to Mark Tsetse Flies for Population Dynamic Studies.

Delphina A. Adabie-Gomez, E. A. Ewusie and C. A. Asante

For distribution, dispersal and apparent survival studies on sterile flies used in any Sterile Insect Technique Control Programme, there is a need for a stable marking technique to distinguish between the flies of the natural population and the released sterile flies. This study was therefore carried out to determine how long two different markers of three different colours (red, blue and yellow) stayed on the insects; whether or not they had any harmful effect on their mating behaviour, longevity or reproductive performance, and which of the markers and colours were more effective in marking flies. The two markers used are acrylic oil paint and day- glo fluorescent powder.

For marking with the fluorescent dyes, batches of fifteen puparia each were covered with a 1 cm layer of oven- sterilized sand containing a particular coloured dye and the adults which emerged through the sand picked up the dye in their ptilinum. In the case of the oil paint, the pronotum of fifteen adult flies each were dotted with acrylic paint of a particular colour. All marked flies were mated with unmarked flies of the opposite sex in a 1:1 ratio and their survival and reproductive performance (insect survival, pupal production and pupal weights) and stability of the markers monitored for 110 days post-mating in the insectary under conditions of 27 °C and 85% relative humidity and natural photoperiod. Experiments were duplicated for each marker and colour. The fluorescent dyes were detected by viewing squashed heads of dead flies under UV light.

Under the laboratory conditions, the different coloured acrylic oil paint and fluorescent markers did not appears to increase insect mortality, cause modification of behaviour, or have adverse affect on survival/longevity or had any apparent effect on viability of puparia produced. The fluorescent dyes were more effective as markers and probably persist throughout the life of the insect because dusted flies of both sexes retained their markers up to the 110 days when the experiment was terminated. The acrylic paints, on the other hand, were only clearly visible up to 90 days after marking. Of all the colours used the yellow acrylic paint was the better colour because it was clearly visible against the brown background.

6.2.3. Radiosterilization Effects on Adult makes of Glossina tachinoides exposed to different Doses of Gamma Radiation

C. E. Annoh, D. A. Adabie-Gomez, I. Ennison (NNRI/RTC) and G. Enni-Reynolds (NNRI/RTC).

The objective of the study is to determine a suitable dose of gamma radiation for effective induced sterility in Glossina tachinoides males. Effects of doses of 130, 150 and 160 Gy in air from distances of 50 and 70cm from the source were investigated.

41 6.2.4. Isotope aided Study on nutrition of Ruminants: A Systematic mapping survey of forage and animal tissue using Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) Technique to locate mineral deficiencies and excesses in Communal grazing areas of Ghana.

Y. M. Gomda, P. Gyawu (UST), F. K. Fianu (UG), E. Osae & N. Karbo (NNRI)

The main objectives are (1) to determine levels of mineral elements in plants and animal tissues taken from communal cattle grazing areas using NAA technique; and (2) to draw up a map indicating the areas of mineral deficiencies and excesses and (3) to recommend appropriate ways of combating mineral deficiencies and excesses through strategic feeding supplementation for various regions to boost animal production in Ghana. This project is receiving financial assistance under the NARP Research Grant Scheme. Twelve million cedis (012,000,000.00) was approved for the study and two (2) million cedis was released in November, 1996 for commencement of the study.

The study began in December 1996. Some equipments and supplies required for tissues sampling were pro- cured and discussions were held with researchers in collaborating institutes in the different regions of Ghana regarding their specific roles in the implementation of project. Main research activity has been the collection of grass, blood and hair samples in five districts of the Northern Region (Tolon-Kumbungu, Tamale, Savelugu- Nanton, Saboba and Bole) and some parts of the Ga District of the Greater Accra Region. Grass sampling in the Ga District took place in cattle grazing areas at Pokuase, Amasaman and Kantamanto of the Coastal Savannah. Kraals were randomly selected in the five districts in the Northern Region visited and where breeds were available, 2 lactating cows, 2 pregnant cows, 2 heifers and 2 bulls were chosen from each kraal and blood as well as hair samples were taken.

In all 64 West African Shorthorn (WASH), 16 Sangas and 18 Zebus were sampled. In addition, 26 grass species on which the animals grazed were also sampled. The samples are currently being analysed in the laboratory.

6.2.5. Integration of Inherited Sterility of Two Cereal Stem-borers, Eldana saccharina and Sesamia calamistis for Insect Pest Management Programme

C. E. Annoh, Mary Botchey (UCC), D. A. Adabie-Gomez and B. A. Mensah (UCC).

-The objective of the project is to contribute to increased production of maize and sorghum through the reduc- tion of stemborer infestations using the radiation induced F1 Sterility Technique.

Field survey of stemborer infestations in selected maize farms in the Ga District of the Greater Accra Region and Experimental farms at BNARI started in December, 1996. 80% of the 201 stem borers collected was Eldana saccharina. Attempts are being made to establish colonies of the two stemborers in the laboratory in order to breed large numbers for radiosterilization studies.

6.3. FOOD SCIENCE AND IRRADIATION PROCESSING

Food Irradiation Programme Studies on techno-economic feasibility of food irradiation in Ghana continued in the year. This involved testing at the pilot stage the suitability of laboratory scale radiation doses for food preservation and test-market- ing of irradiated yams. Other food items being studied include sweet potato, maize and cured fish. 6.3.1 Classification of Starch from Different Cultivars of Cassava Josephine Nketsia-Tabiri and A. Owusu-Biney

The objective of this study was to investigate the physico-chemical and functional properties of starch from different cultivars of cassava been screened by the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences for disease resistance and other agronomic traits.

42 Preliminary results show an amylose content ranging from 13.0 to 25.2% for the twenty five (25) cultivars analysed so far. Ten selected samples of varying amylose content are being analysed for their gelatiniza- tion/pasting profiles and the swelling and solubility properties at the Department of Nutrition and Food Science of the University of Ghana, Legon. The work is still in progress and other physico-chemical parameters such as the determination of divalent ion content will be determined.

This work is important in the investigation of other properties of economic importance aside of disease resistance and other agronomic traits of cassava which bear a direct impact on its utilisation for food. The data obtained could provide information for further collaborative work on the potential utilisation as food and for non-food uses with the active involvement of both food and industrial processing institutions.

6.3.2 Bioleaching of precious metals in Ghana with special emphasis on gold

C. Gbedemah, A. Owusu-Biney and Rose Boatin

This project aims at using local strains of Thiobacillus spp for the extraction of gold. The following is the basic programme of the project.

a) Isolation of local Thiobacillus spp.

b) Characterization of these microbes eg. determination of optimum pH, temperature, grain size of substrate etc.

c) Biomass production.

d) Determination of the mechanism of activity.

The project was suspended for the year 1996 due to the fact that the Microbiology Laboratory was under ren- ovation. It is hoped that this project will start in earnest during 1997.

6.3.3 The use of Gamma Radiation for the Treatment of Drinking Water from the Densu River

C. Gbedemah, A. Owusu-Biney and R. Boatin

This project is a research contract awarded by the IAEA and is aimed at investigating the use of gamma radiation to decontaminate water from the Densu river, one of the major sources of drinking water for the Accra city. The year 1996 was used for literature review. Bench work will start in 1997.

6 3.4 Effect of Gamma Radiation and Storage on Physico-Chemical Properties of Maize

J. Nketsia-Tabiri, Victoria Appiah, K. G. Montford and D. Bansa

The proposed collaborative research to investigate the quality of food products prepared from the irradiated maize has not taken off. It was considered necessary to broaden the cope of the study to attract funding from the Ministry of Agriculture. The modified proposal was discussed with a representative of the Ministry Agriculture but nothing promising is foreseen.

Plate 3 - Irradiated and Non-Irradiated Maize 6.3.5. Radiation Preservation of Cocoa Beans V. Appiah The main objective was to estimate the quantity of cocoa beans lost (discarded) by farmers as a result of mouldiness. This study forms part of a PhD programme being pursued. Cocoa discarded by some farmers during the major and minor cocoa seasons were collected, separated and weighed according to the various defects i.e. mouldy, insect infested, germinated etc. It was found that mouldy

43 beans occured more in the minor cocoa season than in the main cocoa season. Though mouldy beans did not give the highest weight in the experiment, mouldiness is still to be considered important because of the seriousness of the problem it can cause in finished cowa products like chocolate.

Plate 4 - Irradiated and Non - Irradiated Cocoa Beans

6.3.6. Sprout Inhibition of Sweet Potatoes by Irradiation

V. Appiah, D. Bansa and K.G. Montford

A proposal on the irradiation of sweet Potato against sprouting was accepted as part of the Root and Tuber Crop Programme by NARP. The preliminary study to determined radiation sensitivity of some varieties of sweet potato was started in November. Several tubers were rotten and the majority of what was left sprout- ed by the end of December regardless of the dose applied. The data collected is being analysed. The tubers were brought from Crops Research Institute with no information on the date harvested. It is therefore possible that the dormancy period expired before irradiation thus resulting in the high level of spoilage observed.

6.3.7 Sprout Inhibition of Yam by Irradiation

D. Bansa, V. Appiah and J. Nketsia-Tabiri

The optimum dose of irradiation was determined for yam and a minimum dose of 120 Gy was selected for subsequent irradiation of yams for market trial.

6.3.8 Radiation Sterilization of Medical Supplies C. M. Gbedemah, A Owusu-Biney, R. Boatin & S. Nkansah

Research in this areas seek to identify suitable irradiation doses for the sterilization of medical products without loss of the integrity of the products. Medical supplies being studied include intravenous devices, cotton wool, surgical gauze, sanitary pads, hypodermic needles and syringes. Results of the study are currently being used to sterilized locally produced intravenous infusion sets at the Gamma Irradiation Facility at Kwabenya on a pilot scale.

44 7.0 STAFF TRAINING/FELLOWSHIP

Staff in the Institute benefited from the following training programmes during the year.

Dr. H. M. Amoatev (Scientific Officer)

(a) Training Workshop on INFORM: HRD Centre, CSIR. Accra, Ghana, 15-26 July, 1996. This course was sponsored by NARP and introduced participants to the use of Computers in analysis and processing of human resource data in support of Management in Agriculture Research. (b) Advanced Professional Training in Biotechnology at DSE Zschortau and Oberdorla Nurseries Ltd. Germany, 15 August - 15 December, 1996. This course was sponsored by the German government and introduced participants to Micropropagation and related techniques for the Conservation and Use of Plant Genetic resources and the Improvement of Crops.

Ms Y. Lokko (Scientific Officer)

UNESCO/BAC International Training Course in Plant Biotechnology. Pretoria, South Africa: 25 August - 6 September, 1996.

Participants at this course were introduced to Advanced Cellular and Molecular Techniques for improvement of food Crops in Africa.

Mr. K. E. Danso (Asst. Scientific Officer)

Throughout the year, Mr. K. E. Danso continued to pursue post-graduate studies at the Department of Botany, University of Ghana. The successful completion of which will lead to the award of a Master of Philosophy (M.Phll.) Degree in Botany.

Ms. Gertrude Torto (Asst. Scientific Officer)

Ms. Gertrude Torto was granted study leave by the Commission in 1994 to undertake a two year M.Sc. programme in Plant Molecular Biology at the Southern Illinois University at Cabondale, USA. "In October 1996, Ms. Torto requested for extension of her leave by four more years to enable her study towards a Ph.D.

8.0 SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

1. Workshop organized by the Institute The Institute hosted a Workshop on Guidelines for Drafting and Harmonizing Legislation of Food Irradiation. 7-11 August, 1996.

2. Scientific Meetings Attended by BNARI Staff Some scientific staff in the Institute attended various external scientific meetings in the year. They are:

(a) Dr. C. K. DesBordes

Regional Training Workshop on the Use of Immuno-Assay and related Techniques for Studies on Animal Production. Cairo, Egypt. 13-26 April, 1996.

(b) Dr. Josephine Nketsia-Tabiri

(i) The First FAO/IAEA Research Co-ordinator Meeting on "Production of Safe, Ready-to-Eat Shelf-Stable Food through Radiation Processing" . Belfast, Ireland. 7-13 September, 1996.

(ii) FAO/ IABA Regional (APRA) workshop on Guidelines for the Preparation and Harmonization of Legislation

45 on Irradiated Foods. Kwabenya-Accra, Ghana. 21-25 October, 1996.

(i) ICGFI Annual Meeting: Vienna, Austria. 7 - 9 November, 1996. (ii) World Safety Organisation Educational Conference. Dallas, Texas, USA. 23 - 28 Sept., 1996.

(d ) Mr. Alex Owusu-Binev

(i) International Workshop Biomass Production and Utilisation. Trieste, Italy. 20 - 31 May, 1996. (ii) Regional APRA Training workshop on Guidelines for Preparing and Adapting Harmonized Legislation on Food Irradiation, GAEC, Accra, Ghana. 21-25 October,1996. (iii) Regional Seminars Traditional Fermented Food Processing in Africa Accra, Ghana. 3-4 July, 1996. (iv) Seminars of Practical Application of Food Irradiation. GAEC, Accra, Ghana 1st March,1996.

(e) Mr. Charles K. Gbedemah

(i) Afra Project Formulating Meeting. Tunis, Tunisia. 20 - 24 March, 1996. (ii) Workshop on "Safety in Biotechnology for West and Central Africa". Abidjan, La Cote d"lvoire. 10-14 June, 1996. Seminars on Traditional Food Processing in Africa. Accra, Ghana 3-4 July, 1996.

(f) Mr. Ralph Ahiabu

(i) UNDP External Review of ESCaPP. Cotonou, Benin. 28 May to 14 June, 1996. (ii) Third International Scientific Conference of Cassava Biotech Network, Kampala, Uganda. 27-31 August, 1996. AFRA X / RAF/5 029 WORKSHOP ON

(iii) "Improvement of on-farm Evaluation of Improved Mutant lines of important African Crops. Bamako, Mali. 7-12 October, 1996.

(g Ms. Yvonne: Lokko

(i) Research Coordination meeting on the "Use of in-vitro Techniques for Selection of Radiation Induced Mutants telerant to Adverse Environmental Conditions. Cairo, Egypt. 1S - 19 April, 1996. (ii) Workshop on "Advanced Breeding of Root and Tuber crops". Ibadan, Nigeria. 8 July - 2 August, 1996. (iii) Annual Meeting of Collaborators in Root and Tuber Crop Research. Ibadan, Nigeria. 5 - 7 August, 1996.

(h) Dr. Y. M. Gomda

(i) 2nd Coordination Meeting of AFRA Project VIII on Radioisotopes in Animal Reproduction and Nutrition at GAEC Kwabenya, Ghana. 11-15 March, 1996. (ii) World Poultry Association Conference. Accra, Ghana. 29th February - 1st March, 1996.

i) Dr. Musheibu Mohammed-Alfa Annual Conference of the Ghana Veterinary Doctors Association on "Control Regulations Gruding International Livestock & Poultry Trade". Accra, Ghana. September, 1996. j) Dr. Mrs. Rose Boatin

i) Regional Seminar on "Traditional Fermented Food Processing" Secaps Hotel Accra, Ghana 3-4 April, 1996.

ii) Regional AFRA Training workshop on "Guidelines for Preparation and Harmonization of Legislation on Food Irradiation. Kwabenya-Accra, Ghana. 21-25 October, 1996.

iii) Seminar on Practical Application of Food Irradiation, GAEC-Accra, Ghana 1 March, 1996

46 K) Mr. K. E. Danso Seminar on the Understanding and Implementation of the Regulations on Radioactive waste Management in Ghana, 9-11 October,1996, GAEC, Kwabenya.

(g) The following Scientists attended the Ghana Science Associations 6th Biennial workshop on "Standards in Development held at Golden Tulip in Accra, Ghana: C. M. Gbedemah, D. A. Adabie- Gomez, V. Appiah, M. Mohamed - Alfa, Rose Boatin, A. Owusu Biney, C. E. Annoh.

9. PUBLICATIONS / SCIENTIFIC PAPERS

Ahiabu, R. K. A. (1996) Screening of some Cassava for remitance to the African Mosaic Disease. (Ghana Science Journal accepted for publication)

Osei-Kofi, R, Amoatey, H. M. & Lokko. Y. (1996) Improvement on Pineapple Ananas camosus using Biotechnology and mutation Technique.

Jalloh, A., Lokko, Y., Lahai, M., Dossou, R. A., sunu, D.Y., Antwi, A., Benessi, I. R. M. and Akano, A. (1996) Standardization of cassum germplasm evaluations.

Lokko, Y. (1996) GxE interackous for cyanogenic potential in cassava Appiah, V. (1996) The contribution of Irradiation to public Health in Ghana presented at WSO conference.

Appiah, V. (1996) The Status of Food Irraaadiation in Ghana Psresented at ICGFI meeting

Moussaid, M., La Croix, M, Nketsia-Tabiri, J. & Borbekri, C. (1996) Phenotic compounds and the colour of orange subjected to a combination treatment of waxing and Irradiation Polyphenols Communication 96, Bordeaux, France.

Nketsia Tabiri J. (1996) Response of ginger, Zinnegah officinale rlezomes to gammara radiation

Nketsia Tabiri; J. (1996) effects of in-vitro nicropropagation and forcing on the quality of pineapple juice (J of University of Science and Technology.

Owusu - Biney. A. (1996) Harssening the potential of Biomass through Bioconversions

Owusu - Biney, A. (1996) Transduction studies of some Isolated Phages (J. of Biotechnology)

Owusu Biney, A. (1996) Drug Resistance Studies on some selected bacteria /clinical isolates (J. of UST).

Adabie Gomez, D. A. (1996) Laboratory Studies on stability of Acrylic oil paint & Day-glo fluorescent dusts used to mark tsetse flies for population Dynamic studies.

Gomda, Y. M. (1996) The effect of suplementary Feeding on the work output and physiological Response of Indigenous Cattle working in an oil Palm Plantation. (Ghana J. Agric. Science).

10. CONSTRAINTS / PROBLEMS (a) Offices and Laboratories

Lack of offices and laboratories for the Institute greatly affects research activities and output as well as commercial activities.

(b) Funding for Research

Delay in the release of funds for purchasing inputs for research work is a major constraints to progress in research work. An increase in the amount of money released for research is recommended.

47 RADIATION PROTECTION BOARD (RPB)

1. INTRODUCTION

The Radiation Protection Board (RPB) as the responsible organization for authorization and inspection of practices involving the use of ionizing radiations in medicine, industry agriculture, research and teaching, undertook regulatory activities. Technical services were also rendered to license and registrants to assist them to fulfil regulatory requirements. Staff organized training courses and also attended various IAEA training programmes to keep abreast with current trends in Radiation Protection.

2. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

The RPB Board had one meeting and three sub-committee meetings during the year to take policy decisions on issues affecting the operations of the Board.

3. REGULATORY ACTIVITIES

The Radiation Protection Board carried out notification and authorization exercises summarized below:

TYPE OF AUTHORIZATION BY FACILITY NOTIFICATION REGISTRATION LICENSING

Medical 7 7 _ Research 4 3 1 Industrial 5 5 - Total 16 15 1

Five (5) permits were granted for the importation of radioactive sources for use in industry and research.

4. TECHNICAL SERVICES

4.1 Food and Environmental Monitoring

The Environmental Monitoring Section was involved in the control of imported foods comprising of beef, milk, poultry and miscellaneous items. Three hundred and thirteen (313) certificates were issued to cover the results of the analysis summarized below:

Food Item Total of Certificates Milk 136 Meat 155 Miscellaneous 22

48 4. 2. Personnel Monitoring Service To assist the operating organisations to fulfil the requirements spelt out in Part III subsection 1(a) of the Radiation Protection Instruments, LI 1559, the RPB offered a centralized personnel monitoring service for seven hundred and sixty-one (761) persons in the field of industry research and medicine.

4.3 Dosimetry

The Harshaw TLD system used for the personnel monitoring services was calibrated. Long-term stability checks were also conducted at the recommended frequencies. Nine dosemeters from the Centre for Energy Research in Nigeria were also calibrated during an IAEA regional training programme hosted by the RPB.

Studies on natural environmental gamma dose rate using thermoluminiscence dosimetry (TLD) and dose rate metre was continued.

5. Research and Publications 5. 1 Research

The following ongoing research projects were carried out:

(a) Assessment of Occupational Radiological Exposure in the Mining Industry Investigators: E. O. Darko, Johnson Yeboah, Mary Assiamah Durations: 3 years

(b) Studies on the terrestrial background gamma radiation in and around the metropolitan area of Accra Investigators: J. Yeboah, Mary Assiamah, E. O. Darko Duration: 5 years

(c) Studies on Radiation Dose due to Nuclear Medicine Practice in Ghana Investigators: S. D. Asiamah, C. Schandorf, E. K. Osei Duration: 3 years

DIRECTOR AND HEADS OF LABORATORIES UNDER RPB Left to Right: Mr. Cyril Schandorf (Director, RPB), Ms. Mary Nortey (Administrative Officer), Mr. E.O. Darko (Head of Laboratories), and Mr. Johnson Yeboah ( Scientific Officer). 49 SOME EQUIPMENT IN THE SECONDARY STANDARDS DOSIMETRY LABORATORY

5.2 Publications

A) The following papers were published.:

(a) E. O. Darko, C. Schandorf, J. Yeboah Study of Caesium Contamination in Foodstuffs in Ghana after the Chernobyl Nuclear Accident. *lnternational Journal of Radiation Protection Dosimetry, Vol. 67: 211- 214 (1996) U.K.

(b) C. Schandorf, G. Emi-Reynolds, E. K. Osei Studies and Analysis of Occupational Dose Distributions from Personnel Monitoring Service in Ghana (1988 - 1993). 'Journal of Radiation Protection Dosimetry, Vol. 63, No. 1: 49-54 (1996) U.K.

(c) E. K. Osei, G. E. A. Amoh, and C. Schandorf Rick Ranking by Perception *Accepted for publication in the Health Physics Journal, U.S.A. b) The following papers were submitted for publication (a) E. O. Darko and C. Schandorf, "Performance Characteristic of low-level Gamma Spectrometry System. international Journal of Radiation Protection Dosimetry (1996)

50 6. EDUCATION AND TRAINING

6.1 IAEA Regional Training Programme

The RPB hosted one IAEA regional training course for Radiation Protection Officers, from 22 January - 15 February, 1996. Eighteen (18) participants drawn from twelve African countries attended the course. RPB also organized a training course on "The Radiation Safety Aspects of Radiation Therapy" for staff of the radium therapy centre from 5-9 August 1996. Five(5) participants were able to attend.

6.2 Staff Training

Staff who participated in IAEA organized training courses and workshops during 1996 is provided in table below.

Training attended by RPB staff in 1996

NAME OF STAFF TYPE AND AREA PERIOD NUMBER OF OF TRAINING PARTICIPANTS Asiamah, Training Course on Jan. 22- 18 Samuel Djomoah Upgrading Radiation Feb 16, 1996 Protection Infrastructure in Africa, Accra, Ghana Bekui, Jonathan Training Course Jan 22- 18 on Upgrading Radiation Feb. 16, 1996 Protection Infrastructure in Africa. Accra, Ghana. Assiamah, Mary Fellowship Training on Apr. 29-June, 1996 2 Treatment and Disposal of Radioactive Waste. South Africa.

Darko E. 0. AFRA IX Workshop on 24-29 June, 1996 15 Environmental Radiation Monitoring Network, Pretoria, South Africa.

Schandorf, C. College on Medical Physics, 9-29 Sept. 1996 70 Trieste, Italy Osei, E. K. College on Medical Physics, 9-29 Sept. 1996 70 Trieste, Italy

Schandorf, C. Scientific Visit, Slovenia, 10-31 March - Germany 1996 Schandorf, C. Associate FellowshipVisit 9 Sept. - 29 Nov Trieste, Italy 1996

6.3 Seminar

The RPB organized four (4) internal seminar on the following topics: (i) Development of a Quality Assurance Programme for Radiation Protection'Board Operation Speaker: Cyril Schandori

51 (ii) Computers In Research

Speaker: George Amoh

(iii) Health Effects of Low Dose Ionizing Radiation: Scientific Findings and the Non-Threshold Hypothesis Speaker: E. K. Osei

(iv) Quality Assurance in Radiotherapy Speaker: E. O. Darko

7. PROBLEMS

The major problems which hindered progress of work at the RPB were:

a) Lack of reliable field vehicle to carry out regulatory activities and technical services on regular and sus tainable basis;

b) Limited financial resources to purchase much needed inputs for smooth running of the programmes;

c) Delay in the release of funds to refurbish the new offices and laboratories of the RPB for use by addi tional staff and facilities provided during the year; and

d) Unannounced power interuptions which were very unhealthy for the sensitive and very expensive equipment.

8. CONCLUSION

Inspite of the aforementioned problems, RRB was able to achieve some of its targets projected for the period. The assistance of the Commission and the IAEA are gratefully acknowledged in this regard.

It is hoped that the Commission will endeavour to address some of these problems so that Greater results can be derived from the activities of the RPB during the coming year.

MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEES OF RPB

Board Members

Dr. P. C. Acquah - Chairman Dr. W. O. Brakohiapa - Member Prof. G. K. Tetteh Mrs. Akua Kuenyehia Dr. E. K. Marfo Mr. J. K. Danso

Mr. T. F. Bruce Dr. Boateng Jumah Dr. A. W. K. Kyere Mr. Cyril Schandorf

52 Mr. Eric Akoto

Research & Technical Committee Members

Dr. P. C. Acquah Chairman Prof. G. K. Tetteh Member Mr. Cyril Schandorf Dr. W. Brakohiapa Mr. E. 0. Darko Dr. J. J. Fletcher Co-opted Member

Documentation Committee Members

Mr. Cyril Schandorf Chairman Mr. E. K. Osei Member Mrs. J. Quaye Miss Elizabeth Agyeman

Ethical Review Committee Member

Dr. J. J. Fletcher Chairman Mrs. Akua Kuenyehia Member Mr. T. F. Bruce Dr. Boateng Jumah Mr. J. K. Danso

Radiopharmacy Committee Members

Dr E. K Marfo Chairman Mr. Awuku Member Mrs. Charlotte Ohene Mainoo - Dr. I. K. Wilson Dr. Boateng Jumah Mr. E. O. Darko The Registrar, Ghana Medical and Dental Council

53 NATIONAL CENTRE FOR MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES (NCMS)

1. INTRODUCTION In the contemporary society, almost all domains of human knowledge and enterprise do apply Mathematical and Computational methods. Applications of mathematics is "sine quanon" in the area of nuclear science and technology.

2. ESTABLISHMENT AND FUNCTIONS

The National Centre for Mathematical Sciences was established by the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission in 1995 but was officially inaugurated on July 10, 1996 by Nana Kojo Esuanti IV, a member of the Council of State. The main aim is the provision of infrastructure for research, training and education in mathematical sciences which can be available to the staff of the Commission and to other Ghanaians.

3. VISION

To provide a centre of excellence in mathematical sciences for the socio-economic development of Ghana.

4. MISSION

To provide infrastructure and promote research, training, education and international cooperation in mathematical sciences.

5. FUNCTIONS 1. To advise the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission on policy matters with regard to development and pro motion of Mathematical Sciences as related to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. 2. To foster interaction with policy makers on matters relating to mathematics and its promotion and application. 3. To establish strong links with Universities and other Institutions in Ghana.

NATIONAL CENTRE FOR MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES BUILDING 54 4. To collaborate in training of undergraduates and postgraduate students in mathematical research (Degrees will be awarded by the Universities of their registration).

5. To provide continuing education in mathematics at the pre-tertiary and tertiary level.

6. To invite visiting scientists and other mathematicians to participate in seminars, workshops, schools and conferences in specialised topics in Mathematics.

7. To identify and encourage young talents in Mathematical Sciences. 8. To perform any other functions that are related to those specified above and do other such things that are in opinion of the Commission, necessary or expedient for carrying out the functions of the Centre.

6. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The following scientific departments were created:

a) Department of Theoretical and Applied Mathematics; b) Department of Computational Mathematics and Computer Science; and c) Department of Pure Mathematics.

7. MANPOWER AND STAFF LIST

The human resource of the institute is made up of the Head, Associates in other institutes (both in Ghana and abroad) and local Scientific staff. They are:

Head: Prof. F. K. A. Allotey Consulting Director

Board Members of the NCMS

Prof. E. Laing - Chairman Prof. D. A. Akyeampong - Member Prof. Kwesi Andam _,. - Member Dr. J. H. Amuasi - Member Prof. F. K. A. Allotey - Member

Associates of the Centre:

Prof. Daniel K. Bentil Department of Mathematics and Statistics University of Vermont Burlington, Vermont U. S. A.

Prof. Evans Afenya Department of Mathematics Elmhurst College Prospect Ave. Elmhurst, Illinois 60126 - 3296 U. S. A.

Dr. S. K. Yeboah Mensah Senior Lecturer Department of Physics University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast Ghana

55 Dr. Isaac K. Dontwi Department of Mathematics University of Science and Technology, Kumasi Ghana.

Dr. N. N. N. Nsowah Nuamah Senior Lecturer

ISSER University of Ghana, Legon Ghana

Senior Associates of the Centre

Prof. Herbert G. Winful Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences The University of Michigan U. S. A.

Prof. Elijah Kannetey Asibu Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics The University of Michigan U. S. A. Prof. Anthony K. Amos Pennsylvania State University University Park Pennsylvania U. S. A.

Local Staff of the Centre

Name Qualification Position/Rank

1. Joseph Gbadago BSc (Physics), UST Assistant Scientific Officer 2. Raymond N. Edziah BSc (Physics), UCC Assistant Scientific Officer 3. George Nkrumah BSc. (Physics/Maths), UG Assistant Scientific Officer

8. RESEARCH AREA (i) Theoretical and Mathematical Physics (ii) Computational Mathematics (iii) Mathematical Biology (iv) Theoretical Nuclear Physics.

9. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

In order to fulfil our mandate, National and International linkages were established with: 1. International Centre for Theoretical Physics. Trieste, Italy. 2. International Institute of Pure and Applied Physics, Iowa State University Science and Technology. Ames, Iowa, USA. 3. International Institute of Pure and Applied Mathematics (IMPA). Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

4. (UNESCO) 5. Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Accra, Ghana.

56 10. Visitors to the Centre Name of Visitor Period & Purpose of Visit Prof. Anthony K. Amos Pennsylvania State University Pennsylvania, U. S. A. Prof. Evans Afenya Department of Mathematics Elmhust College Prospect Ave Elmhurst, Illinois 60126-3296, U. S. A

Prof. Charles E. Chidume International Centre For Theoretical Physics P. O. Box 586 24100 Trieste, ITALY. Prof. Jume Shabani Association of African Universities P. O. Box 5744, Accra-North Prof. G. O. S. Ekhaguerre Department of Mathematics University Ibadan Ibadan, NIGERIA Prof. U. B. C. O. Ejike Department of Mathematics and Computer Science Federal University of Technology Owerri, NIGERIA. Prof. Charles Brown Lucent Bell Laboratories, Atlanta, Georgia U. S. A. Prof. Jean M. S. Lubuma VISTA University Department of Mathematics Silverton, South Africa.

11. PUBLICATION S. A. Mensah, F. K. A. Allotey, A. Clement "Effect of ionisation centres by electric field on the conductivity of superlattice" J. of Superlattice and Microstructures, USA, Vol. No. 2:151-158 (1996).

12. COURSE ORGANISED BY THE CENTRE The centre hosted the Second Edward A. Bouchet Regional College on "Functional Analysis and its Applications to Differential Equations" 22nd July - 2nd August, 1996 Present were thirty-nine (39) participants from nine countries.

13. RESEARCH ACTIVITIES Continued research on: 1. Transport properties of superlattices. 2. Information Technology. 3. Theoretical/Mathematical . 4. Science, Technology and Development.

57 IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Executive Secretary 400303 Deputy Executive Secretary 401323 Director, NNRI 401272 Director, BNARI 402286 Director RPB 400976 Director, NCMS 401248 Reactor Manager 400398 Manager, DENIC 400310 Ext. 207 Manager RTC 402796 Manager, RWMC 400310 Ext. 117

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