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Journal of the Ghana Science Association · Volume 24(1)

JOURNAL OF THE GHANA SCIENCE ASSOCIATION

Vol 24 (1) | Date of Publication: 17th March 2026
ISSN: 2737-713X
Advancing Scientific Research and Innovation in Ghana
Volume 23(2) – March 2026 Volume 24(1) – March 2026 Volume 24(2) – Coming Soon

Table of Contents · Volume 24 No. 1

Indexed on Scopus
1
Research Article
5
Authors
12
Pages
pp. 1-12
ENHANCING DETECTION OF NUCLEAR AND OTHER RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL (NRM) USING RADIOISOTOPE IDENTIFICATION DEVICE: A CASE STUDY IN GHANA

Authors: *1Etornam Ann Mensah, 2Seth Kofi Debrah, 1Robert Nkum, 3Manuele Merveille and 1Juanita Ayivor

Affiliations:
  1. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box PMB KNUST, Kumasi-Ghana
  2. Nuclear Regulatory Authority, P. O. Box AE 50, Atomic-Kwabenya
  3. Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, P. O. Box LG 80, Legon, Accra-Ghana

Corresponding Author: etornam.mensah@nra.gov.gh

Abstract: To ensure the safety and security of Nuclear and Other Radioactive Material (NRM) under regulatory control, and to mitigate the risks associated with illicit trafficking and potential malicious activities, an assessment was undertaken to evaluate the detection of NRM in imported cargo transiting through Ghana’s sole international airport. In the absence of a radiation portal monitor, a Radioisotope Identification Device (RID) was utilised for the screening process. A total of 648 containers were examined, of which 62 were determined to contain radioisotopes with the recorded equivalent dose rates ranging from 0.029 µSv/h to 0.417 µSv/h. Although the RID is a less optimal tool than radiation portal monitors for comprehensive cargo screening, its application, however, confirmed the presence of radiation in air cargo shipments. These findings raise concerns regarding the potential for illegal or illicit trafficking of NRM at Kotoka International Airport.

Keywords: Nuclear and Other Radioactive Material, radioisotope identification device, cargo screening, radiation detection, illicit trafficking, Kotoka International Airport.
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