Accra: The Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, says space science and technology are critical to Ghana’s socio-economic development.
Agyeman-Rawlings stated this during an engagement with the media alongside officials of the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI), explaining that satellite technology provides data capable of supporting decision-making across key sectors of the economy.
She said satellite data could assist agriculture by providing farmers with information on weather and environmental conditions, enabling them to plan planting and harvesting seasons more effectively.
The Minister also identified disaster management and weather monitoring as major applications, noting that satellite technology can track rainfall patterns and changing weather conditions to help authorities anticipate and respond to floods and other natural disasters.
Beyond these areas, she said space-based systems support financial services through satellite timing and communication technologies that enhance the accuracy, reliability and security of banking and digital transactions.
Agyeman-Rawlings further noted that space technology had become part of everyday life through navigation systems such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), which supports location services, delivery tracking, ride-hailing platforms and navigation.
Officials of GSSTI have similarly highlighted the practical application of satellite data to national challenges, particularly agriculture, environmental monitoring and disaster management.
Recent institute engagements have also focused on strengthening Ghana’s capacity to use space technology for sustainable development.
The Minister said sustained investment in science, technology, research and innovation would be essential to ensuring that space technology delivers greater benefits to Ghana’s economy and society.
