Abstract:
Since the commencement of operation of the low-flux miniature neutron source reactor (MNSR) in 1995, a significant number of research and development in the field of neutron activation analysis have taken place. During its 12 years of operation, after the first criticality, the reactor has been used as a neutron source for research, teaching and training to support several graduate and post graduate careers for students from universities in Ghana and the West African sub-region. Owing to the stable flux of the reactor and rapid proliferation in utilization, several analytical techniques have been developed. As a national neutron source reactor facility, Ghana’s MNSR also known as Ghana Research Reactor-1 (GHARR-1) is now successfully utilized in various areas of neutron activation analysis (NAA), teaching, research and training. The paper will focus on the past and current status of GHARR-1 with respect to utilization and management and future programmes to enhance its uses in the fields of teaching, research and training. The present and future collaboration programmes with national institutions and technical cooperation among some AFRA member states will be given.