IAEA Discusses Security of Radioactive Materials in Sierra Leone
By Abdul Rahman Bah
On Monday 12th May 2023, at the Atlantic Hotel, Aberdeen, the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (NSRP)with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) mission held discussions to consolidate the draft regulations on transport security of radioactive material in Sierra Leone.
The Executive Secretary of the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (NSRP), in a brief statement, said the Workshop would help people to know how to handle radioactive material, through the help of the Office of National Security (ONS), and welcomed everyone to the session.
Josephus J Kongo, Board Chairman of the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority, expressed excitement in being part of the program. He shared experiences at the workshop, adding that the Nuclear Safety and Radiation protection Authority is his baby, because he started it in a small room at that time. He noted that the 2001 Act did not focus on security, so in 2012 they repealed the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act, mainly for the security aspect. He maintained that they made a lot of effort to bring the security and safety of Nuclear Radiation, noting that this action was commended by the IAEA. He disclosed that three weeks ago the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority established the Non-ionizing radiation, which is known by few people in the country, and had to bring in experts from Ghana to help them, adding that people should be trained to know the difference between ionized and non-ionized radiation. He disclosed that he had worked for the IAEA for ten years and is familiar with the topic.
Abdulai Abass Kargbo Manager of Regulatory Control, in his contribution, said that the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority has again been amended in 2022. Whilst thanking the Minister for being always with them, he disclosed that there are few regulations that address the security aspect and the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority aspect, furthering that it is but fitting that they separate security from the Nuclear Safety. When the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority Act 2012 was promulgated, they adopted the Transport TRS1 safety regulation, which was subsequently amended by the International Energy Agency (IAEA).
Ousseine Kabore, expert from the international Atomic Agency, thank everyone for gracing the program, especially Fathi Elsisi, Senior Legal Officer, Legal Affairs Department from Egypt, furthering that he was here to make sure that the program goes on well. The Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority is very important because of the radioactive material in the country. This must be handled safely, and that the security aspect is part of the Nuclear Safety, adding that these radioactive materials are found in medical facilities, mines and Colleges, and could be misused.
Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Professor Foday M Jaward, delivering his statement, whilst pledging his commitment to work with the IEAE and the NSRPA, said that it is not easy to regulate this agency, but the will help of God we shall repeal the necessary provisions that will enhance safety and security, intimating that the Bill for Repeal will be tabled before the Sixth Parliament for enactment.
