Ghana seeks to join the global space economy — MyJoyOnline
Ghana aims to move from using ready-made space technologies to more active participation in the global space economy. Joseph Bremang Tando, director of the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute, said the country already has a space policy approved by the Cabinet and should focus on implementing it.
Ghana’s space ambitions were discussed during a visit by Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata to the institute, MyJoyOnline reports. Wakata serves as an astronaut and chief technology officer for Axiom Space in the Asia-Pacific region.
Space policy and agency
According to Tando, the creation of a Space Agency was approved in Ghana last year. He noted that the country does not want to be merely a consumer of technologies developed in other states, but seeks to participate in the space economy and contribute to its development.
The institute’s director acknowledged that Ghana is at an early stage in the development of its space sector. At the same time, in his view, with proper investment and sustained efforts, the country could have its own astronaut fly into space in the coming years.
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Meeting with the astronaut
During his visit, Wakata spoke with researchers and students about the aerospace industry, space science, and Ghana’s potential. The Japanese astronaut has made five spaceflights and spent a total of 504 days in space.
Felix Akoma Asante, a professor at the University of Ghana, said Wakata was invited as part of the Japan Centre project to learn about the country’s aerospace activities and exchange ideas with local researchers.
Wakata, who works on developing commercial space activities at Axiom Space, expressed hope for more active participation by people from Ghana in space exploration. He also said he would like to see a Ghanaian astronaut among the participants in a future space mission.
