The government has launched the Ghana Space Policy to harness the power of space science and technology to enhance the country’s socio-economic transformation.
The policy will guide the use and development of space science and technology to achieve sustainable development through education, research and commerce.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ophelia Mensah Hayford, stated that Cabinet approved the policy in March 2022, demonstrating the government’s resolve to develop a space programme.
The Minister explained that the policy development process was participatory, involving a committee of experts and stakeholders from various institutions and ministries.
“Together, we have worked on a document to guide the effective and coordinated use of space resources in Ghana,” the Minister stated.
Madam Hayford noted that the Policy would provide the framework to ensure the applications of space technology are not only beneficial but also coordinated, regulated, standardised and sustainably managed.
The Minister disclosed that the government would continuously ensure the transition of the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) into the Ghana Space Agency.
That, according to her, would mandate it to oversee, coordinate, regulate, license and explore Ghana’s space resources in alignment with national goals.
On his part, the Director of Science, Technology and Innovation at MESTI, Mr Kwamena Essilfie Quaison, stated that the new policy creates the framework for establishing the Ghana Space Agency, marking the country’s entry into a new technological frontier.
The Ministry of Science, Environment, Technology and Innovation pledged its full support through strategic investments in human capital, infrastructure and international partnerships.
The policy outlines several key objectives, including promoting a well-coordinated space programme, developing human resources, building national space infrastructure, advancing research and development, commercialising space technology, promoting local and international cooperation, instituting legal and regulatory frameworks and promoting citizen science.
A key part of the policy is establishing the Ghana Space Agency, a statutory organisation under the Ministry of Science, Environment, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), to oversee space programs in Ghana.
MESTI will coordinate the policy implementation through the Ghana Space Agency, serving as a guide for the Agency’s operations.
The Ministry will also lead the monitoring and evaluation process with assistance from the Agency, academia, the private sector, scientific councils and other relevant stakeholders.