Cabinet Approves Proposal To Establish Ghana Space Agency
Story By: Zainab Ali
Ghana has taken a significant step towards establishing a national space agency following Cabinet approval of a proposal to transform the country’s existing space science and technology institute into a fully fledged institution.
The Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation announced the development, indicating that drafting instructions for the proposed legislation had already been submitted to the Attorney-General’s Department.
Director of Science, Technology and Innovation at the Ministry, Kwamena Essilfie Quaison, disclosed the development during the first day of the Africa Geospatial Leadership Forum 2026.
He explained that the proposed Ghana Space Agency would coordinate space-related activities, support scientific research and innovation, promote partnerships between public and private institutions, and strengthen the country’s space infrastructure.
According to him, one of the major reasons behind the initiative is the fragmented manner in which government institutions currently acquire and process satellite information.
He noted that different ministries and agencies independently procure satellite data, a practice that often results in duplicated efforts and unnecessary expenditure.
The proposed agency is expected to address this challenge by ensuring that satellite imagery can be acquired and processed centrally before being made available to different institutions and businesses.
Mr Quaison explained that such an arrangement could reduce costs, improve access to reliable information and support better decision-making across several sectors of the economy.
He also indicated that Ghana must develop its own technical expertise rather than depend excessively on foreign models when making important decisions concerning its land and national assets.
However, he cautioned that establishing the agency alone would not automatically deliver economic benefits, stressing the importance of connecting scientific research, skilled professionals and private-sector investment.
The proposed agency is expected to build on the country’s existing Ghana Space Policy and the work of the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute.
The development represents an important step in Ghana’s ambition to strengthen its scientific capabilities and make greater use of space technology for national development.