Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed Visits Ghana Radio Astronomy Observatory to Strengthen Science and Technology Innovation
On February 13, 2025, the Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology (MEST), Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, visited the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) to evaluate ongoing projects designed to boost the nation’s scientific and technological capabilities.
Following his visit to GAEC, the Minister proceeded to the Ghana Radio Astronomy Observatory (GRAO) in Kuntunse, a key facility dedicated to space science and astronomical research. Confronted with land encroachment issues threatening the observatory’s operations, Minister pledged to collaborate with the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs to resolve the problem. He reaffirmed the government’s determination to safeguard the facility’s land, ensuring that Ghana’s progress in space science remains uninterrupted.
The Minister’s visit came in the wake of Ghana’s National Space Policy launch in November 2024, a milestone in the nation’s space development journey. This policy paves the way for the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) to transition into a fully operational national space agency, the Ghana Space Agency, which will oversee all space-related activities ranging from research and regulation to licensing and development. Moreover, the policy emphasizes integrating space science and technology into critical sectors such as resource management, infrastructure planning, and food security.
During the visit, Dr. Joseph Bremang Tandoh, Director of GSSTI, highlighted the importance of expediting Ghana’s satellite development initiatives and fully implementing the National Space Policy. Dr. Tandoh pointed out that local satellite capabilities are essential for national security and the effective protection and monitoring of Ghana’s natural resources. Furthermore, he noted that space technology could significantly enhance the nation’s resource management efforts, support agricultural monitoring, and help mitigate the impacts of climate change.
By effectively implementing the National Space Policy, GSSTI will strengthen Ghana’s scientific infrastructure and ensure that space science remains a central pillar of the country’s strategies for sustainable development, resource management, and long-term national security.
