National Space Science Policy launched in Ghana

To utilise space technology for national advancement, Ghana has launched a landmark Space Science Policy.
The Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Mrs Ophelia Hayford, led the launch in Accra, noting the significance and the promise space technology held for various sectors when adopted and regulated.
“Let us leverage this policy to promote sustainable practices, drive technological advancement, foster international cooperation, and contribute significantly to the growth of space science in Ghana and across Africa,” she urged.
The Manager of Remote Sensing and Climate at MESTI, Dr Kofi Asare said: “Satellite technology allows us to track crop health, soil conditions, and weather patterns, making it a vital tool for agriculture and environmental management.”
“Space technology can help us manage resources, track agricultural health, and mitigate climate change,” the Director of the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute, Dr Joseph Bremang Tandoh, remarked.
He added the policy would boost job creation and impact infrastructural development.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako, revealed the university was soon going to introduce undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in space technology.
“We are ready and equipped with expertise to partner with the government to push the exploration of space technology to its appropriate height,” he noted.
The Space Science Policy was approved by Cabinet in March 2022 but was launched today, Thursday, November 7, 2024. It is aimed at coordinating Ghana’s space activities and facilitating the establishment of the Ghana Space Agency.
In 2011 Ghana joined eight African countries, including South Africa, for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, with the aim of building the world’s largest radio telescope network.
NASA launched Ghana's first-ever satellite, the GhanaSat-1, into orbit from the International Space Station on July 7, 2017. The creation of a group of engineering students at the All Nations University College (ANUC), Koforidua, Eastern Region, the GhanaSat-1 being the first private university satellite developed in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Bearing low and high-resolution cameras, among other technology, the GhanaSat-1, a CubeSat satellite, was launched into space for exploration and research purposes, measuring atmospheric density and aiding mapping by monitoring the country's coastline.
Trending News
President Mahama appoints Alhaji Said Sinare as Ghana’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia again
02:50Ashanti Regional police commander pledges justice for slain Kusasi chief
13:19Heated debate in Parliament over Mahama Care Bill as MP calls for urgent action amid Minority's pushback
11:45President Mahama launches coastal protection project to defend vulnerable communities
17:02Mahama gov't inherited a ‘crime scene economy’ – Finance Minister Ato Forson
15:19Minority on quest to only entertain angry NPP supporters -Mahdi Jibril
13:03Parliament debates controversial ‘Mahama Care’ bill to tackle chronic illness burden
11:24Vice President calls for stronger regional unity in fight against money laundering and terrorism financing
16:55'Cedi no apicki’ – Finance Minister declares amid strong currency gains
14:58NPP rudderless is bound to keep them in opposition for quite a long time – Alhaji Said Sinare declares
12:23