Ghana Launches Ambitious Space Policy to Drive National Development

Accra, Ghana – Ghana has taken a significant step towards harnessing space science technology for national development with the launch of its first comprehensive space policy. The Ghana Space Policy, unveiled on Tuesday at a ceremony in Accra by Mrs. Ophelia Hayford, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), aims to leverage space technology to address the country’s pressing developmental challenges.

The policy outlines plans to establish a Ghana Space Agency that will coordinate efforts to build human capital, develop infrastructure, and guide the growth of the space science sector across the country. Approved by the Cabinet in March 2022, this policy seeks to streamline Ghana’s space-related activities, promoting advancements in fields such as environmental monitoring, security, precision agriculture, navigation, weather forecasting, disaster management, and telecommunications.

Minister Hayford highlighted that the Ghana Space Policy is designed to regulate, standardize, and sustainably manage the use of space technology. “The deployment and usage of space technology will be coordinated to drive technological advancement and foster international cooperation,” she said, adding, “Let us leverage this policy to promote sustainable practices and contribute significantly to the growth of space science in Ghana and across Africa.”

In collaboration with relevant government bodies and the private sector, the Ministry intends to facilitate the policy’s successful implementation, enhancing Ghana’s ability to utilize space technology for economic and societal benefits. Ghana’s entry into the African space landscape builds on its earlier commitment in 2011, when it joined the African Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, a multi-nation partnership with South Africa and other African countries to develop the world’s largest radio telescope network.

Experts Highlight Policy’s Potential for Economic Growth and Job Creation

Dr. Joseph Bremang Tandoh, Director of the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute, underscored the policy’s importance for supporting critical sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, and overall economic growth. “Space technology can help us manage resources, track agricultural health, and mitigate climate change,” he said. According to Dr. Tandoh, the policy not only positions Ghana in the growing global space sector but also creates local opportunities for job creation and technological innovation.

Dr. Kofi Asare, Manager of Remote Sensing and Climate Sector, emphasized that Ghana’s natural resources could be better managed with the use of space technology. By implementing satellite-based systems, he explained, the country could monitor land and water resources more efficiently and reduce environmental degradation. In agriculture, for instance, space technology could enable detailed tracking of crop health, soil quality, and weather patterns, resulting in more accurate crop yield predictions and enhanced food security.

Academia to Play a Role in Space Science Education

Reflecting on the policy’s potential to cultivate a skilled workforce, Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), announced plans to offer both undergraduate and postgraduate programs in space science. “We are ready and equipped with the expertise to partner with the Government to push the exploration of space technology to its appropriate height,” Professor Asare-Bediako said. He emphasized the University’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of Ghanaian scientists, engineers, and innovators poised to lead in the space science sector.

A National Vision for Sustainable Development and Technological Advancement

With the Ghana Space Policy, the country joins a growing number of African nations investing in space technology to address local and regional challenges. As Dr. Tandoh noted, “With this policy, we are not just joining the space race but creating opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement.” This strategic approach is expected to have far-reaching impacts, offering Ghana new tools to navigate challenges in resource management, climate adaptation, and infrastructure development.

The Ghana Space Agency, once established, will oversee the policy’s implementation, ensuring that Ghana’s space-related projects align with sustainable development goals and global standards. This landmark initiative places Ghana on the path to becoming a leader in space science and technology within the region, transforming its scientific landscape and driving economic progress through innovation.

This new policy signifies Ghana’s commitment to innovation and positions it at the forefront of space technology in Africa, with the potential to foster sustainable development and address critical issues facing the nation and the continent.