Ghana’s journey into space science and technology began in 2007 with the signing of the African Square Kilometer Array (SKA) partnership agreement, uniting the country with South Africa and other African nations in a transformative scientific endeavor to construct the world’s largest radio telescope network. This ambitious project seeks to explore the universe and conduct cutting-edge astronomical research, reflecting the collective efforts of multiple African countries and international partners. As part of the global Square Kilometre Array initiative, this venture spans radio telescopes across Africa and Australia.
Aligned with this commitment, the Government established the Ghana Space Science and Technology Center under the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission on 2nd May 2012, exemplifying the nation’s dedication to playing a prominent role in space science.
The same year, Ghana achieved another milestone with the successful launch of GhanaSat-1, the country’s inaugural satellite, courtesy of the All-Nations University.
While numerous national institutions engage in diverse space science and technology endeavors, there exists a need for coordinated efforts and effective monitoring to ensure alignment with national development policies and plans.
This policy serves as a guiding framework for the Ghanaian public and private sectors within the space science arena. It fosters the coordination of national space programs and activities while emphasizing research and development, space technology applications, and space exploration. The peaceful utilization of outer space remains central to this policy, leveraging space sciences and technology applications to advance national development goals.
Prominent institutions, including All Nations University, KNUST (offering programs in Aerospace engineering, Telecommunications engineering, Geomatic engineering, and Settlement planning), University of Ghana, Legon, Lands Commission, GMET, NADMO, GCAA, play crucial roles in the realization of Ghana’s space science and technology aspirations.
With a clear and coordinated approach, Ghana is poised to harness the transformative potential of space science and technology, driving the nation towards further progress and prosperity in scientific discovery and development.
Challenges and Solutions: The Role of Space Science and Technology
Ghana faces diverse environmental, social, and economic challenges, including illegal mining (galamsey), water pollution, land degradation, poverty, and unemployment due to unsustainable natural resource management, leading to government revenue loss. Science and Technology, particularly Space Science and Technology, offer critical solutions to address these issues. Space applications possess several tools to reduce environmental degradation, improve natural resource management, generate employment opportunities, address societal challenges, and stimulate economic growth.
A national space policy will coordinate the fragmented activities in various sectors, aligning the nation’s efforts towards a common agenda with multiple actions.
Moreover, Ghana’s geographic location on Earth provides a unique advantage when exploring the space frontier.
Objectives:
- Develop and maintain the required space science and technology human resources.
- Build national space infrastructure for education, research, and application.
- Promote space science and technology research and development.
- Promote the commercialization of space technology, applications, and products.
- Promote local and international cooperation.
- Institute an appropriate legal and regulatory framework to encourage industrial participation in national space activities.
Policy Strategies:
- Establish the Ghana Space Agency, a statutory government organization under the Ministry of Science and Technology to oversee space programs in Ghana.
- Enhance space education and human resource development.
- Build space infrastructure to support research and application.
- Foster space science research and development initiatives.
- Promote space application and commercialization of space products.
- Develop a robust legal and regulatory framework.
- Allocate at least 0.1% of GDP for Space Science and Technology (SST) activities.
- Establish an SST development fund to facilitate contributions from local and international organizations.
Through this comprehensive policy, Ghana will unlock the full potential of space science and technology, driving sustainable development and positioning itself as a leading player in the global space exploration endeavor.