Ophelia Mensah Hayford (M) with officials of the ministry and representatives from various agencies
THE GOVERNMENT has launched the national Space Policy aimed at promoting a coordinated space science and technology programme for effective management of the country’s resources.
The space policy is expected to monitor space science and technology programme in the country to ensure the development and maintenance of the required space science and technology infrastructure for education and research.
Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), will coordinate the policy through the Ghana Space Agency to serve as a guide for the Agency’s operations and also lead the monitoring and evaluation process of the policy which is important to Ghana’s socioeconomic transformation.
Speaking at the launch yesterday in Accra, sector Minister, Ophelia Mensah Hayford, said the policy approved by the government in 2022 will guide the effective and coordinated use of space resources to advance the adoption and application of science and technology for the country’s economic transformation.
She said the Ghana Space Policy will also provide the framework to ensure that the applications of space technology are not only beneficial to the country but also coordinated, regulated, standardised and sustainably managed.
“I have to say that the application of space technology has become an everyday activity through telecommunication, transportation, aviation, satellite television and the internet.
“I want to emphasise that this government, through MESTI, is dedicated to coordinating the implementation of this policy to derive its intended objectives,” she added.
Manager, Remote Sensing & Climate Center Dr. Kofi Asare, highlighted the need for space science technology to be embraced by all given its importance to the development of cities, infrastructure, energy which makes its management more easily.
He said through space technology, satellite data, earth observation information, the country will be able to monitor the progress, and the challenges in an attempt to achieve the sustainable development goals which would have been difficult to realise through manual means.
He said space technology will also be used in managing the country’s mineral resources, crop yields, assess the amount of farm lands that have been converted into mining sites.
Director of Science, Technology and Innovation at MESTI Kwamena Essielfie Quaison, also pledged the Ministry’s support to invest in human capital, infrastructure and international partnerships for the country to have a vibrant sector that drives innovation.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah