The International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT) offers States essential tools for strengthening their criminal justice systems and preventing and combating offences involving radioactive material. There are currently 120 States Parties to ICSANT, including 25 in Africa. The more States join the Convention, the less “safe havens” there will be for those perpetrating such offences.

On 6-7 December 2022, UNODC conducted a national workshop for Ghana to support the universalization and effective implementation of ICSANT under a project funded by the European Union.

The event brought together 25 participants from the following national institutions: Ghana Atomic Energy Commission; Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration; Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; Nuclear Regulatory Authority; Judicial Service; Ghana Revenue Authority; Parliament; Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice; and the Ghana Police Service.

The event featured presentations by UNODC experts with a view to making policy and decision-makers of Ghana aware of the key provisions of the Convention and its benefits, as Ghana signed ICSANT in 2006 but has not yet ratified it. UNODC experts also offered an overview of technical and legislative assistance that UNODC can provide with regard to joining and implementing ICSANT, and presented a practical case aimed at demonstrating the applicability of the Convention to a fictional yet realistic scenario.

National representatives delivered several presentations on Ghana’s nuclear security legislative framework, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) national action plan, and national legislation related to ICSANT. These presentations were followed by a legislative drafting session conducted by UNODC staff, which provided participants with an overview of relevant available tools developed by the Office.

The workshop also included consultations with representatives of the above-mentioned stakeholders, which offered an opportunity to clarify outstanding questions and respective roles and responsibilities of each entity vis-à-vis the ratification process. Additionally, workshop participants and UNODC experts discussed the process of incorporating ICSANT provisions into national legislation.