By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Ghana has joined the
Space4Ocean Alliance, opening a formal pathway for the country to leverage
satellite technology and international cooperation to address coastal and
marine challenges, including erosion, flooding and pollution.
The Ghana Space Science and
Technology Institute (GSSTI) signed the Space4Ocean Declaration of Interest on
September 9, 2026, during the International Space Summit at the Grand Palais in
Paris.
The declaration was signed
by the Director of GSSTI, Dr Joseph Bremang Tandoh, in a ceremony witnessed by
Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space
Affairs; Lionel Suchet, Director General of the French Space Agency, CNES; and
Madin Maseeh, Chair of the Space4Ocean Alliance and President of the Maldives
Space Research Organization.
Through its participation in
the Alliance, GSSTI will pursue partnerships that combine satellite
observations, field measurements and local knowledge to support monitoring and
management of Ghana’s coastal and marine environment.
The areas of potential
cooperation include shoreline monitoring, coastal-flood assessment,
marine-pollution detection, mangrove and wetland protection, fisheries
management and the development of Ghana’s blue economy.
For coastal communities, the
challenges addressed through these activities have direct implications for
livelihoods and infrastructure. Coastal erosion and flooding can contribute to
the loss of homes, fishing landing sites, public infrastructure and natural
ecosystems.
GSSTI said the declaration
does not automatically provide funding or establish an operational monitoring
system. Instead, its immediate value is in providing Ghana with a formal
platform to present its needs, identify technical partners, participate in expert
networks, develop collaborative projects and strengthen the capacity of
Ghanaian scientists.
The initiative is expected
to create opportunities for Ghanaian researchers and institutions to engage
with international experts and explore the use of space-based technologies in
addressing challenges affecting the country’s coastline and marine resources.
GSSTI acknowledged the
support of the French Embassy in Ghana, which helped facilitate Ghana’s
participation in the engagements in Paris.
