The Ghana Association of Radiation Professionals (GARP) has called for stronger radiation protection systems and the training of competent professionals to safeguard workers, patients and the public from potential risks associated with radiation sources. The push comes from Professor Joseph Amoako, GARP’s president, who emphasized the need for adequate expertise, regulation and infrastructure across sectors using radiation.
Symposium Addresses Radiation Safety Concerns
Prof. Amoako spoke at GARP’s first Non-Ionizing Radiation Symposium, themed “Radiation Safety: Protecting the Public, Patients, Workers, and the Environment.” The event coincided with the 2026 Radiation Protection Week. He explained that radiation broadly divides into ionizing and non-ionizing types, with ionizing radiation capable of affecting human cells and DNA due to its high energy.
Non-ionizing radiation, while less energetic, can still cause heating and other biological effects. Common sources include mobile phones, microwave ovens, antennas, visible light, lasers, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) devices. Prof. Amoako noted these technologies are now integral to daily life but raised concerns over public fears linking mobile phones to cancer and other diseases.
“We need to depend on science,” Prof. Amoako said, highlighting the symposium’s goal of providing accurate public information and addressing misconceptions about non-ionizing radiation. He stressed that while such radiation has applications in medical technology, energy, telecommunications, and electric vehicles, public health concerns require science-based responses.
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Regulatory Calls and Training Needs
GARP advocates training health physics and radiation protection professionals for roles in mining, telecommunications, and healthcare facilities. Prof. Amoako also pushed for a robust licensing regime to ensure practitioners have the necessary knowledge for safe operations. He urged a unified legal and regulatory framework covering both ionizing and non-ionizing radiation use.
Dr. Roland Yaw Kudozia, Head of Resource Market, Access and Compliance at the National Communications Authority (NCA), supported increased public education on radiofrequency emissions. He explained that wireless communication relies on radio waves, with mobile phones connecting to base stations via specific spectrum portions. The NCA collaborates with the Ghana Standards Authority to set technical standards and ensure imported phones meet safety specifications.
Dr. Kudozia emphasized transparent communication of radiation measurements and ongoing research to validate safety. “The mere fact that we know that studies have found out that these things are safe doesn’t mean that we go and sleep. We must always do studies and research to ensure that we are still safe,” he added.
5G and Evolving Technology Challenges
Regarding 5G technology, Dr. Kudozia explained it offers faster data speeds and greater bandwidth than 2G and 3G, enabling quicker internet access and supporting remote work. However, he stressed continuous research remains essential as new technologies emerge. The NCA’s focus on public education and adherence to scientific standards aims to build trust in evolving telecommunications infrastructure.
