Ghana, Japan to Deepen Space Science Cooperation as Japanese Astronaut Visits
Ghana and Japan have expressed a renewed commitment to expand cooperation in space science, technology and innovation as part of efforts to leverage international partnerships for national development.
The commitment was renewed when the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, hosted Japanese astronaut and Chief Technology Officer for Asia Pacific at Axiom Space, Dr Koichi Wakata, for dinner at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
The dinner followed a courtesy call on the Minister and forms part of Dr Wakata’s visit to Ghana from September 15 to 19, 2026.
Mr Ablakwa assured Dr Wakata of the Ministry’s readiness to coordinate and support international partnerships that advance Ghana’s strategic objectives, stressing that space exploration is a global undertaking that requires collaboration among countries, scientists, engineers and institutions.
He noted that 2027 will mark the 70th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between Ghana and Japan and recalled Japan’s longstanding contributions to Ghana, particularly in science, research and public health.
He welcomed Dr Wakata’s engagement with Ghanaian students, stressing the importance of exposing young people to opportunities in science, technology and innovation.
The Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Khadija Iddrisu, underscored the growing importance of space to national development, noting that satellite technologies and data are already supporting communications, agriculture, environmental monitoring, disaster management and national security.
She said Ghana must take practical steps to build its capacity to harness these technologies and described Dr Wakata’s visit as an opportunity for knowledge exchange and for stimulating interest in space science.
Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Hiroshi Yoshimoto, described Dr Wakata as a distinguished figure in the global space community, having undertaken five space flights and spent a cumulative 504 days in space, including serving as the first Japanese Commander of the International Space Station (ISS) in 2014.
He recalled Japan’s contribution to Ghana’s space journey, particularly the launch of Ghana’s first satellite with Japanese support, and expressed Japan’s readiness to deepen collaboration in science, technology and space-related fields.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, highlighted the University’s longstanding partnership with Japan, citing the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research as an example, and expressed readiness to expand collaboration in science, technology and innovation.
Dr Wakata, recounting his journey, said his interest in space began at age five after witnessing the Apollo 11 Moon landing. He said although becoming an astronaut seemed beyond reach at the time, international collaboration enabled him to fly aboard the Space Shuttle, the Russian Soyuz and SpaceX Crew Dragon.
He encouraged young Ghanaians to pursue careers in science, technology and engineering, stressing the need for international cooperation and sustainability in space, including recycling resources and addressing space debris.
Click to read more: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/
