The Environmental Radiation Protection Centre (ERPC) is dedicated to protecting the environment and public health from the harmful effects of ionising and non-ionising radiation. Through cutting-edge research, technical services, and stakeholder engagement, the Centre monitors, assesses, and mitigates radiation risks from natural and artificial sources. ERPC plays a vital role in supporting regulatory compliance, sustainable development, and international trade through its analytical services and scientific leadership.

 

Vision

To be a regional centre of excellence in environmental radiation protection, advancing science-based solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable environment

 

Mission

To conduct innovative research, deliver high-quality technical services, and promote public awareness in environmental radiation protection, ensuring the safe use of radiation technologies and the protection of people and ecosystems in Ghana and beyond.

 

Core Functions

  • Conduct radioactivity analyses of food, drinking water, and environmental samples.
  • Monitor and assess radon gas levels in homes, workplaces, and mining environments.
  • Characterise Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) from oil, gas, and mining industries.
  • Provide consultancy and public education on environmental radiation safety.

Impact and Achievements

  • Safeguards public health by ensuring food and water safety through contamination monitoring.
  • Supports international trade by certifying imports and exports in line with Codex Alimentarius standards.
  • Raises national awareness on radon risks and mitigation strategies.
  • Provides technical services to industries, regulators, and communities, strengthening environmental safety compliance.
  • Organised the Radon Stakeholder Forum (2024) as part of GAEC @ 60 celebrations.
  • Conducts over 700 food and water samples annually for radioactivity contamination tests.
  • Published multiple peer-reviewed studies on natural radioactivity and environmental radiation risks.
  • Established specialised laboratories (Gamma Spectrometry, Alpha, Radon) with internationally recognised equipment.

ERPC provides essential technical services to industries, regulatory bodies, and the public, including:

  • Radioactivity testing of food and drinking water
  • Radon gas monitoring in homes, workplaces, and underground mines
  • Natural Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) characterisation in oil, gas, and mining industries
  • Environmental radiation monitoring and contamination assessments
  • Radiation safety consultancy and public education
  • Calibration of radiation protection instruments

 

Need reliable testing or expert consultancy? Explore our services and partner with us to ensure environmental safety and regulatory compliance.

  • Radon Monitoring in Underground Mines
  • Radiological Water Quality Assessments
  • Food Contamination Surveillance (in partnership with FDA and GRA)
  • NORM Characterisation in Oil and Gas
  • Radon Stakeholder Forum 2024

Interested in collaborative research or student projects? View our current research initiatives and connect with our scientific team.

Laboratories

  • Gamma Spectrometry Laboratory – Equipped with high‑resolution detectors for analysing radioactivity in food, water, soil, and environmental samples.
  • Alpha Spectrometry Laboratory – Used for measuring alpha‑emitting radionuclides in environmental and occupational samples.
  • Radon Laboratory – Dedicated to radon gas monitoring in homes, workplaces, and mining environments, supporting national radon risk assessments.
  • Sample Preparation Units – Facilities for drying, grinding, and homogenising food and environmental samples prior to analysis.

 

Specialized Equipment

  • High‑Purity Germanium (HPGe) Detectors – For precise gamma‑ray spectrometry and radionuclide identification.
  • Liquid Scintillation Counters – For detecting low‑level radioactivity in water and biological samples.
  • Radon Monitors and Dosimeters – Portable devices for measuring radon concentrations in enclosed environments and mining sites.
  • Portable Radiation Survey Meters – For field monitoring of radiation levels in communities, workplaces, and industrial sites.
  • Alpha/Beta Counters – For contamination testing and environmental monitoring.
  • Protective Equipment (PPE) – Including shielding materials, respirators, and monitoring devices to ensure staff safety during fieldwork.

 

 

 

Supporting Infrastructure

  • Data Management Systems – For storing, analysing, and reporting radiation monitoring results.
  • Collaboration Facilities – ICT and library resources to support research, training, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Mobile Field Units – For on‑site sampling and rapid radiation assessments in communities and industrial environments.
    • Environmental radiation protection and safety
    • Natural radioactivity and NORMs
    • Radiological food and water quality assessment
    • Radon monitoring in indoor, outdoor, and water environments
    • Health risk assessment and radiation exposure modeling

    Explore our research focus areas to discover opportunities for partnership, innovation, and policy development.

Physical Address:

Environmental Radiation Protection Centre

P.O. Box LG 80

Legon

 

Digital Address (GPS):

GE-257-0465

 

Phone:

Tel: (+233) 30 39 73 790

Tel: (+233) 31 22 98 049

 

Email:

rpi@gaec.gov.gh

Have a question or need support? Contact us today to speak with our experts or schedule a meeting.