Space exploration activists in a group photo after a round table discussion held as part of the celebration. Photo by David Andoh
The Ghana Institute of Space Science Technology in collaboration with the African Space Agency’s Lunar Research Program and the Africa Moon Experiment Station celebrated the 2024 edition of World Moon Day at the Ghana Radio Astronomy Observatory at Kutunse in the Ga West Municipality of the Greater Region.
International Moon Day, which is one of the most recent special days of the United Nations, was celebrated for the first time in 2021.
The event is celebrated every year on July 20 and aims to remember the day in 1969 when a man set foot on the surface of the moon for the first time.
To mark the day in Ghana, a space science competition titled: the HackaThon Challenge was organized for students from some selected schools in the Greater Accra Region as part of the celebration.
With the theme ‘Sustainable Food Security in Space’, the competition focused on Ghana’s preparation to send astronauts and researchers to the Moon by 2030 as part of the African Space Agency’s Lunar Research Programme, OALES (Omni Africa Lunar Experimental Station).
Speaking at the event, the Founder of Omio Africa Space Exploration Analog, Dr Clare A. Nelson, who is also an advocate of space exploration and Lunar Exploration said Ghana needs more support in its space exploration programme.
He is of the view that a deliberate focus on science education through the school system from primary to tertiary level would be critical to building the right foundation for sustainable space exploration.
Dr. Nelson promised to appeal to Ghanaians living abroad to return home to support Ghana to continue its space program.
On why she chose Ghana for her program, Dr. Nelson said Ghana has a fairly stable economy and society, critical to the kind of research and investment they want to do.
“I would like to see destinations in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda and Mauritius, which is an island nation, which also has an emerging space program,” said Dr Clare Nelson.
He explained that with the right facilities, young people, including young scientists from across Africa, could participate in joint research initiatives.
He is therefore calling on Ghanaian scientists around the world to organize massive support for the country’s space project, which will have huge opportunities for the youth.
Dr. Clare Nelson donated a telescope and books to the institute, which will be used to train students in space programs to stimulate the passion of people who love the stars and space science.
Receiving the donation, the Director of the Ghana Institute of Space Technology, Dr. Theophilus Ansah-Narh expressed his appreciation to Dr. Clare Nelson for the support.
Dr. Theophilus Ansah-Narh said the Institute is committed to its vision of becoming one of the best space organizations in the world.
With her continuous research and innovations, she believes Ghana can produce astronauts in the next ten years.
According to him, Ghana’s proximity to the equator allows them to observe both the southern and northern hemispheres at the Ghana Radio Astronomy Observatory.
Dr. Theophilus Ansah-Narh said one of their challenges remains the fact that those training are leaving the country for greener pastures as there are no space jobs in Ghana.
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