Ghana Launches National Space Policy to Propel Socio-Economic Development Through Space Technology

The Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI) has officially launched the National Space Policy, a significant initiative aimed at leveraging space technology for Ghana’s socio-economic development.

Approved by Cabinet in March 2022, the Ghana Space Policy serves as a framework to integrate space technology into key sectors such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, telecommunications, navigation, and disaster management.

The launch took place in Accra during a stakeholder engagement led by sector minister Ophelia Mensah Hayford, who emphasized the policy’s potential to drive sustainable technological progress across multiple domains. “Ghana’s space program is vital to our national development goals,” she stated, highlighting that the policy will ensure the benefits of space technology are coordinated, regulated, standardized, and sustainably managed.

The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to utilizing science and technology as essential tools for socio-economic advancement. She assured that MESTI is dedicated to effectively implementing the policy by allocating resources and establishing strong support structures.

Minister Hayford also stressed the importance of international collaboration in achieving sustainable space practices, urging local and international stakeholders to back the policy’s implementation. “Let us leverage this policy to promote sustainable practices, drive technological advancement, foster international cooperation, and significantly contribute to the growth of space science in Ghana and across Africa,” she urged.

A Tool for Economic Growth

Dr. Joseph Bremang Tandoh, Director of the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI), emphasized that space technology extends beyond exploring outer space; it is also a tool for fostering economic growth, environmental stewardship, and addressing everyday challenges. He highlighted the need to tackle issues such as illegal mining, environmental degradation, and poverty by harnessing space science as a unique asset.

Dr. Tandoh argued that while Ghana faces immediate challenges, investing in a space policy could transform these obstacles into sustainable opportunities.

Drawing parallels with countries like India, which have successfully integrated space technology into their national development, he suggested that Ghana could similarly use satellite data to enhance agriculture, disaster response, and environmental management. “Those nations didn’t wait until all their problems were solved, and neither should Ghana,” he said.

By coordinating resources across various agencies, the policy aims to position Ghana as a competitive player in the global space economy, projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035.

Further Applications

Dr. Kofi Asare, Manager of the Remote Sensing and Climate Centre at GSSTI, noted that satellite data could help Ghana monitor and manage its mineral resources, addressing challenges like illegal mining that contribute to environmental degradation. He also explained how space technology can boost agricultural productivity by providing insights into crop health, soil conditions, and weather patterns. With accurate satellite data, farmers can make informed decisions, optimize yields, and mitigate risks from unpredictable weather and pest outbreaks.

He emphasized that the ability to predict crop yields through remote sensing empowers both policymakers and farmers, enhancing resilience in Ghana’s agricultural sector and improving food security.

Additionally, he pointed out the crucial role of space technology in monitoring coastal and marine environments, particularly as climate change worsens issues like coastal erosion.

Establishment of the Ghana Space Agency

A key component of the policy is the transformation of the GSSTI into a fully operational Ghana Space Agency. This transition is expected to empower the agency to oversee the development and management of the nation’s space resources. The agency will coordinate activities, regulate standards, issue licenses, and explore Ghana’s space resources, ensuring that applications of space technology align with national objectives.

The policy and space program are part of a broader initiative that Ghana embarked on in 2011, when it signed the African Square Kilometre Array (SKA) partnership agreement with South Africa and other African nations. This collaboration aims to develop the world’s largest radio telescope network, enhancing scientific research and exploration.

At the launch, diplomatic representatives from India, the United Kingdom, the United States, Nigeria, and academia commended Ghana’s efforts and pledged their support for this significant step forward.