How to Set Up a Space Nation on the Example of Ghana

Ghana is one of the emerging countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The country’s economic power is mainly based on export goods such as gold or cocoa. All in all, Ghana is experiencing economic growth and is focusing now on strengthening the education system to position it to contribute more effectively towards the development of the country—also to become more independent from fluctuating commodity prices in the world market. Education in STEM subjects and the establishment of Technical Universities are among recent initiatives developed to strengthen skills in information and communication technologies, engineering and natural sciences. In recent years, Ghana also has taken first steps into becoming a space nation: In 2012, the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute was launched as Ghana’s Space Agency to promote space science and technology. Advantages in the field of agriculture, weather forecasting and environmental degradation seem to justify larger investments. To establish a research institution for the training of young scientists, the institute was the coordinating organization for the conversion of a telecommunication dish to the Ghana Radio Astronomy Observatory in 2017. The first Ghanaian satellite was sent into space in the same year. This article profiles Ghana’s beginning journey into becoming a space nation.