Ghana and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in space science, technology, and innovation, with emphasis on leveraging international partnerships to support national development.
The pledge was made when Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP), hosted Japanese astronaut and Chief Technology Officer for Asia Pacific at Axiom Space, Dr. Koichi Wakata, to a dinner at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra. The engagement formed part of Dr. Wakata’s visit to Ghana from September 15 to 19, 2026.
Hon. Ablakwa assured the Ministry’s readiness to coordinate partnerships that advance Ghana’s strategic objectives, noting that space exploration is a global undertaking requiring collaboration among nations, scientists, and institutions. He highlighted the forthcoming 70th anniversary of Ghana–Japan diplomatic relations in 2027, recalling Japan’s longstanding contributions to Ghana in science, research, and public health.
Ambassador Khadija Iddrisu, Chief Director of the Ministry, underscored the growing importance of space technologies in communications, agriculture, disaster management, and national security. She described Dr. Wakata’s visit as an opportunity for knowledge exchange and to stimulate greater interest in space science among Ghanaian institutions.
Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Hiroshi Yoshimoto, praised Dr. Wakata’s distinguished career, including five space flights and his role as the first Japanese Commander of the International Space Station (ISS). He recalled Japan’s support for Ghana’s first satellite launch and expressed readiness to deepen collaboration in science and space‑related fields.
The Vice‑Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, highlighted the University’s longstanding partnership with Japan, citing the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research as a key example. She welcomed Dr. Wakata’s planned interaction with the University community as an opportunity for students and researchers to learn from his experience.
Dr. Wakata recounted his journey into space, inspired by the Apollo 11 Moon landing at age five, and encouraged Ghanaian youth to pursue careers in science and engineering. He stressed the importance of sustainability in space, including recycling aboard the ISS and tackling space debris to safeguard future exploration.
The event also featured students of Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC), Legon, winners of the 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz, who interacted with Dr. Wakata and drew inspiration from his experiences in human spaceflight.
Officials noted that the visit forms part of efforts to promote knowledge exchange and strengthen Ghana–Japan collaboration in space science, technology, and innovation, while advancing broader bilateral relations.
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