The WINS team is delighted to welcome Mr. Lennox Assan as a WINS Academy Ambassador. Mr. Assan, a Nuclear Regulatory Officer at Ghana’s Nuclear Regulatory Authority, shared insights with WINS on various topics, including his educational journey through the WINS Academy, his motivation for becoming a WINS Academy Ambassador, and his views on how increased diversity and inclusion can help drive progress in Ghana’s nuclear sector.
What was your elective for the WINS Academy? Why did you choose it?
My first WINS Academy elective was Nuclear Security Incident Management. This is because my work centres on nuclear and radiation emergency preparedness and response.
As a regulator, understanding incident and emergency management principles and procedures allow me to review and assess emergency preparedness and response plans from licensees. I am happy to say the elective I chose provided me with all and more of what I sought.
Transport Security Management was my second elective. In Ghana, most industry-related shipment involves radioactive materials used for medical purposes, and in industries such as mining, oil and gas. We have regulations that make considerations for each environment in which transports are completed. Notwithstanding these provisions, operators and licensees do face challenges in areas such as emergency response, threat assessment and vulnerability analysis connected to transport. The Transport Security Management module provided me with resources to fill in the knowledge gaps to help licensees in their request for authorisation to engage in activities which involve the safe and secure transport of radioactive materials.
The Transport Security Management module provided me with resources to fill in the knowledge gaps to help licensees in their request for authorisation to engage in activities which involve the safe and secure transport of radioactive materials.
What inspired you to become a WINS Academy Ambassador?
Firstly, I was fascinated by the efforts WINS put into organising and preparing modules for learners, including the provision of tools for studying, time flexibility and the comprehensiveness of the courses. These are just a few that I can mention. After completing my first module, I wanted to share what I had learnt. Knowledge acquisition is one thing; however, it is only through sharing it that a collective intelligence is built, then creativity and continuous learning is fostered especially in a rapidly changing industry like nuclear. Since then, I have used the Academy as a platform to share my experiences and to encourage others to sign on to WINS Academy programmes.
Of course, I could have done this without being an Ambassador for the WINS Academy, however there’s an increased credibility and recognition attached to it now.
Knowledge acquisition is one thing; however, it is only through sharing it that a collective intelligence is built, then creativity and continuous learning is fostered especially in a rapidly changing industry like nuclear.
What advice do you have for current WINS Academy learners or those considering enrolling?
Define your career objectives, research and select the Module that matches your goals and industry requirements. Choose the format that suits your learning style and schedule. Study rigorously with the aid of the tools WINS provide, including the practice tests. Connect and seek guidance from past learners and stay focused.
How has your WINS Academy training helped you in your current job position?
The nuclear industry is a highly regulated sector, which means my duties as a regulator are extremely crucial. Training from the WINS Academy validates my knowledge and skills in my regulatory functions, decisions and actions. Furthermore, the Academy has built and enhanced my credibility with stakeholders, the public, international organisations, operators and licensees.
How do you think advancing gender equality, diversity and inclusion would enhance your field?
Gender equality, diversity and inclusion will provide diverse perspectives. A more diverse workforce will help identify potential safety and security risks and provide solutions that will typically be overlooked by a homogenous group. This will undoubtedly improve decision-making, considering the wider range of factors and expertise. In all, it will drive innovation, leading to new technologies and solutions.
Furthermore, the industry has received negative publicity over the years, this is mainly due to misinformation and disinformation regarding nuclear emergencies and disasters, as well as radioactive waste management. Gender equality, diversity and inclusion can enhance the field by providing better communication. This is because diverse teams can communicate more effectively to diverse groups and stakeholders, thereby enhancing the industry’s reputation and public trust.
A more diverse workforce will help identify potential safety and security risks and provide solutions that will typically be overlooked by a homogenous group…it will drive innovation, leading to new technologies and solutions.
What advice would you give women who are entering the field?
There are challenges in the field, however, numerous opportunities abound equally. Be prepared to face and overcome societal and cultural barriers. These can be in the form of gender biases, stereotypes and cultural expectations. However, when you connect with open-minded people in the industry, you will fly high. You can do so by joining global professional organisations, connecting with professionals in the field and staying updated on industry developments by accessing numerous online sources.
Nuclear is an ever-changing field, be prepared to be resilient, flexible and adaptive to new trends and situations. And at the end of it all, never forget to acknowledge and celebrate your contributions and accomplishments to inspire others. No matter how trivial you may deem such feats, someone out there needs to see or hear about it.
Questions for Incoming Ambassador’s Institution
How has your organisation benefited from Lennox achieving a certification from the WINS Academy?
Lennox’s achievement is a demonstration of his expertise in his field. This ensures an adherence to industry standards and regulations. It has enhanced the Authority’s credibility and contributed to our reputation as a competent body.
What role does WINS certification play in your institution’s professional development programme?
WINS certification creates a harmonisation of standards with our professional development approach. It aligns with our regulatory principles and brings a level of consistency and coherence. The certification ensures capacity building, thereby strengthening our regulatory capacity among our staff.
