Implementation of the Borehole Disposal Concept for Sealed Radioactive Sources in Ghana

The peaceful application of sealed radioactive sources in Ghana have resulted in the generation of disused radioactive sources that need to be managed in a safe and secure manner. Long term storage which is the practice in Ghana, is considered an unsustainable option for the long lived radionuclide. Hence the need for a suitable disposal option. Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has opted for the IAEA developed Borehole Disposal System (BDS) for the safe disposal of disused sealed sources generated in Ghana. The proposed site for implementation of the BDS is on the GAEC premises at Kwabenya. The site is being characterized to gain a general understanding of the site. The site characterization investigations comprise a number of studies based on geological, hydrogeological, geophysical and hydrochemical methods. The report documents the site characterization activities and the first iteration post-closure radiological safety assessment (PCSA) being carried out for implementation of the BDS in Ghana. (author)