Africa-Press – Ghana. The proposed establishment of a National Space Agency is in the right direction to usher in a new era of job creation, technological advancement, and innovation across multiple sectors of the economy.
Building on a strong foundation in space science, satellite technology, and earth observation, the Agency will serve as a central institution to coordinate the nation’s space-related programmes and research.
That is expected to unlock new opportunities in agriculture, climate monitoring, disaster response, and telecommunications.
Expert View
Experts believe the initiative will create high-value jobs for scientists, engineers, data analysts, and software developers while stimulating interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.
Space Science Policy
The introduction of the Ghana Space Science Policy in 2024 signifies an important achievement of the nation’s ambitious efforts to develop its space programme and enhance job creation opportunities.
According to Professor Amos Kabo-Bah, the Dean for International Relations Office at the University of Energy and Natural Resources, he has shown his dedication to space science by engaging in international collaborations.
He said as “a participant in the Group on Earth Observation (GEO), the nation effectively organized significant international events, such as the AfriGEO symposium in 2017 in Sunyani and GEO Week in 2022 in Accra, with the Ghana Statistical Service taking a leading role in the continental Digital Earth Africa Initiative”.
Influences
Prof Kabo-Bah, asserted that his role as co-chair of the GEO Programme Board enabled him to offer strategic guidance, and that had significantly bolstered the nation’s influence in the sector.
With his pivotal role in advancing space initiatives throughout Africa, including efforts at the Kenya Space Agency and the South African Space Agency, Prof Kabo-Bah emphasized “my participation in AfriGEO, which oversees space and Earth observation projects across the continent, has established the nation as a prominent contributor to African space science”.
“The nation’s space science infrastructure is spread across several vital institutions. The space industry offers a remarkable opportunity to generate high-skilled employment for our youth and promote innovation within our SMEs sector”, Prof Kabo-Bah stated.
Contributions of Universities to Satellite Technology
The University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) is home to the Institute for Earth Observation Research and Innovation (IEOI) and features satellite ground stations, and a team of experts dedicated to satellite launch operations.
Additionally, All Nations University has cultivated proficiency in small satellite technology, and the Ghana Space Science Technology Institute, part of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), operates a Square Array Antenna facility staffed by skilled professionals.
Dr Joseph Tandoh, Director, and Dr. Kofi Asare, Manager of the Remote Sensing and GIS Unit, emphasized the use of satellite technologies for monitoring crop yields.
Space Sector Employment Opportunities
According to Prof Kabo-Bah, the “burgeoning space industry is anticipated to create job opportunities in various fields, including satellite technology development and upkeep, analysis and application of Earth observation data, and software development for space applications”.
Other areas encompass agricultural monitoring and precision farming services, academic and research roles in space, technical support and ground station operations, as well as opportunities for startups related to space.
Rwanda’s success story
Prof Kabo-Bah highlighted Rwanda’s success in establishing a Space Agency, drawing lessons from Ghana’s IEOI at UENR, and thereby illustrating the rapid implementation potential of such initiatives.
He explained that small businesses were uniquely positioned to take advantage of the sector and its initiatives, saying local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) could engage in the space industry supply chain by offering specialized services, creating applications that utilize satellite data, and devising innovative solutions for agriculture, environmental monitoring, and urban planning.
Space Agency’s Crucial Role
Prof Kabo-Bah said the nation’s anticipated Space Agency was expected to significantly contribute to several national initiatives.
Those initiatives include the government’s touted 24-hour economy programme, agricultural reform, and the protection of key investments like the Petroleum Development Hub Corporation assets.
Prof Kabo-Bah said “experts in the field recommend that the newly appointed Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation must prioritize on the initiative to enhance Ghana’s technological advancements and economic development objectives”.
Way forward
As the nation aims to reset her technological framework and push-forward innovations for wealth creation and poverty reduction, the creation of a National Space Agency remains a realistic strategy.
That will propel future growth, create employment opportunities, and security priorities and thereby facilitate accelerated national growth and sustainable development.
President John Dramani Mahama’s administration emphasizes agricultural innovation and transformation, and it is therefore imperative for the nation to think through and facilitate the establishment of the National Space Agency with urgency for the President to achieve his vision for the nation.
Source: Ghana News Agency
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