Ghana’s new Space Policy requires effective public engagement for lift-off

The Ghana Space Policy was officially launched by the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) on November  5, 2024.

The policy aims to build on Ghana’s experience and capabilities and harness Space Science and Technology (SST) for national advancement.

It also provides for the establishment of a Ghana Space Agency, which is considered an essential step towards meaningfully positioning Ghana in the existing continental and global space ecosystem.

The global space industry was valued at $630 billion in 2023 and is predicted to grow into a whopping $1.8 trillion industry by 2035, according to a report by the World Economic Forum and McKinsey & Company.

The African space economy is also on a strong growth trajectory, projected to reach $22.64 billion by 2026.

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Ghana could become a key contributor to the African space economy. Yet, many of its citizens remain broadly unaware of the economic and social benefits that could come with a thriving space sector.

A significant part of the global space industry is devoted to launching satellites into orbits around Earth for multiple activities. Important uses include generating images or data for environmental monitoring and disaster management, which helps improve responses to challenges such as deforestation, flooding and drought.

Enhanced satellite communication networks allow internet connectivity in remote and underserved areas. Satellite data can also help with agricultural programmes by providing farmers with precise data on weather patterns, soil health and crop management, boosting productivity and food security.

Additionally, satellites play a critical role in navigation systems to enhance transportation, logistics and resource management. Furthermore, a rapidly growing, innovation-driven “new space economy” has emerged over the past decade, focused on commercial and private sector led activities in space. By prioritising space utilisation, Ghana could unlock new industries, create high-skilled jobs and drive innovation, ultimately boosting Ghana’s competitiveness.

While the adoption of the newly published policy is a welcome development, public support will be necessary to justify public expenditure on its implementation. The government must effectively communicate the benefits of space-derived services and convince the public that investing in the space industry is a worthwhile investment in the nation’s future prosperity.

The backdrop

The Ghana Space Policy was launched against a somewhat bleak economic outlook. In such tough times, the public can be expected to harshly criticise the policy and its implementation if they are not adequately informed of the benefits of space utilisation.

Participation in the space industry is expensive and returns are usually only realised in the medium to long term. Additionally, the soon-to-be Ghana Space Agency will likely have to spend its first year or two mainly in intelligence-gathering mode to assess how best to position Ghana in a complex continental and global space ecosystem. Tangible outcomes from the early period of operation could be limited, while at the same time the expenses of the Agency (i.e. travel and consultancy services) could be high.

Economic justification

A thriving private sector drives national prosperity and contributes to GDP by enabling investment in social infrastructure and public welfare. By developing a robust and sustainable space industry, Ghana can achieve greater economic resilience.

The new policy commits the government to allocate at least 0.1% of GDP to SST activities, provide adequate annual budgetary support to the Agency and establish an SST development fund to attract local and international investment. These are all to be applauded.

However, public support will be stronger if the Agency demonstrates its ability to attract significant private sector investment. Ensuring that public funds are complemented and exceeded by external financing should be a core performance metric for the Agency.

Accountability

Responsibility for the implementation of the policy is unclear. The policy says in one place that it will be coordinated by MESTI through the Agency, as owners of the policy, and explains that the policy will guide the Agency’s operations. However, MESTI is also tasked with monitoring the policy with the support of the Agency (Section 7). This suggests that those responsible for implementation will also be responsible for monitoring their own performance. Such arrangements raise a concern regarding a conflict of interest. MESTI and the Agency should both be accountable to an independent body for implementing the policy, allowing for public scrutiny.

Plans for public engagement

The policy does not appear to have given public engagement the attention it merits. The policy document explains that the Ghana Space Agency will establish a unit that will focus on “Citizen Science” and reach out to citizens, schools and universities. Public engagement on the policy and its implementation will need to go beyond the promotion of STEM education to also justify the policy and expenditure.

Unless the public is supportive of the programme, the new government - due to come into power in January 2025 - can expect harsh questions about why a percentage of the public purse is being spent on “unnecessary and wasteful” foreign travel for Agency staff (international travel is likely to be an essential component of the early stages of a space programme), when members of the public are struggling to obtain employment, pay school fees and access medical facilities. Expectations will need to be carefully managed if the policy is to avoid ending up as a lead balloon.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the adoption of the Ghana Space Policy is a positive step forward for Ghana. Effective and continuous public engagement to garner acceptance and support will be a necessary part of its implementation. 

Space is often perceived as a luxury that cannot be afforded by less developed nations. However, its potential benefits to such nations seeking to transform their societies and spur the growth of their economies are clear. The Ghanaian public will need to be convinced that active participation in the space industry will prove beneficial in socio-economic terms in the long run.  

The writers, Julia Selman Ayetey is the Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Cape Coast and Kobina Hughes is a senior lawyer, previously with the VRA but currently with National Grid Ventures in the UK.