Ghana and Japan are seeking to deepen cooperation in space science and technology, with officials highlighting satellite applications, research and skills development as areas where international partnerships could support economic and national development.
The renewed focus emerged during a dinner hosted by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa for Japanese astronaut and Axiom Space Chief Technology Officer for Asia Pacific Koichi Wakata in Accra. The meeting formed part of Wakata’s visit to Ghana from September 15 to 19 and followed a courtesy call on Ablakwa.
Ablakwa said the Foreign Affairs Ministry was prepared to coordinate international partnerships that support Ghana’s strategic objectives, stressing that space exploration requires cooperation among countries, scientists, engineers and institutions. The minister also pointed to the 70th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between Ghana and Japan in 2027, citing Japan’s longstanding contribution to Ghana in areas including science, research and public health.
The discussions come as satellite technologies and space-based data are increasingly being applied to communications, agriculture, environmental monitoring, disaster management and national security.
Chief Director of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Ambassador Khadija Iddrisu, said Ghana needs to build its capacity to harness these technologies, describing Wakata’s visit as an opportunity for knowledge exchange and stronger partnerships in space science, technology and innovation.
Japan’s ambassador to Ghana, Hiroshi Yoshimoto, said Japan’s previous support for Ghana’s space programme, including the launch of Ghana’s first satellite, provided a foundation for further cooperation. He said Japan was ready to deepen collaboration in science, technology and space-related fields, with the two countries able to complement each other’s strengths.
Wakata, who serves as astronaut and chief technology officer for Asia Pacific at Axiom Space, has completed five space flights and spent more than 504 days in space. He was the first Japanese astronaut to command the International Space Station.
He said international cooperation was critical to turning scientific ideas into practical achievements and encouraged young Ghanaians to pursue careers in science, technology and engineering. Wakata also highlighted sustainability in space, including resource recycling aboard the International Space Station and the need to address space debris to ensure continued access to space for future generations.
The University of Ghana also signalled interest in expanding its research and capacity-building partnerships with Japan. Vice-Chancellor Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo cited the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research and other initiatives as examples of Japan’s contribution to Ghana’s academic and research development.
She said partnerships were a priority under the university’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan and welcomed Wakata’s planned engagement with students and researchers.
Students of Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School, Legon, winners of the 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz, also attended the dinner and interacted with Wakata about his experience in human spaceflight.
The engagement builds on earlier discussions between Ghana and Wakata. In December 2025, Ghana’s embassy in Tokyo said it had discussed potential cooperation with him and Axiom Space in space science and technology, including education, capacity building and STEM development.
Ghana and Japan are expected to use Wakata’s visit to explore further opportunities for knowledge exchange and cooperation in space science, technology and innovation as part of their broader bilateral relationship.
