The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has hosted renowned Japanese astronaut and engineer Dr Koichi Wakata during his first visit to Ghana.
Dr Wakata is the first Japanese astronaut to have undertaken five space missions and is also the only Japanese astronaut to have spent 504 days in space.
He is further credited as the first Japanese astronaut to serve as commander of the International Space Station (ISS) during Expedition 39.
According to Mr Okudzeto Ablakwa, Dr Wakata’s visit forms part of Ghana’s efforts to deepen cooperation with Japan in space science and technology.
The Minister said Ghana was proud of the Space Agreement with Japan, which he signed last year to support the development of the country’s space science capacity.
He noted that Japan would play an important role in supporting Ghana during the early stages of its efforts to develop a robust space science programme.
Mr Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed that Cabinet had already approved Ghana’s space science policy, while the relevant institutional structures were being established.
He said Ghana had never shied away from pursuing ambitious national goals and expressed confidence in the country’s ability to make progress in space science.
As part of efforts to inspire young people to pursue careers in science and technology, Mr Okudzeto Ablakwa invited students of Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC), nine-time winners of the National Science and Maths Quiz, to meet Dr Wakata.
The interaction provided an opportunity for the students to engage with the renowned astronaut and draw inspiration from his experiences in space exploration.
The Foreign Affairs Minister also expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, senior lecturers of the university and officials of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for accepting his invitation and participating in the engagement.
He said the visit was an important opportunity to inspire Ghanaian youth and strengthen Ghana-Japan cooperation in space science and technology.
