Ghana, Japan Deepen Space Cooperation as Astronaut Wakata Visits Accra

Ghana and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in space science and technology, as Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa hosted Japanese astronaut Dr. Koichi Wakata at a dinner in Accra on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

Dr. Wakata, now Chief Technology Officer for Asia Pacific at Axiom Space, is in Ghana from September 15–19 for a series of engagements aimed at promoting knowledge exchange between the two countries. Ablakwa pledged the Ministry's support for partnerships advancing Ghana's development goals, framing space exploration as inherently collaborative.

He also noted that 2027 will mark 70 years of formal Ghana-Japan diplomatic relations, pointing to Japan's long history of support in science, research and public health.

Chief Director Ambassador Khadija Iddrisu stressed that satellite technologies already underpin Ghanaian priorities from agriculture to disaster management and national security, calling the visit a chance to build local capacity in the sector.

Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Yoshimoto highlighted Wakata's credentials five spaceflights, 504 cumulative days in orbit, work on the International Space Station, and a stint as the first Japanese ISS Commander in 2014 and recalled Japan's role in launching Ghana's first satellite. He signaled Tokyo's readiness to deepen collaboration in science and space-related fields.

University of Ghana Vice-Chancellor Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo pointed to existing academic ties, including the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, and said further collaboration with Japan fits the university's 2024–2029 strategic priorities.

Wakata himself traced his path to space back to watching the Apollo 11 landing at age five, saying international cooperation later let him fly on the Space Shuttle, Russia's Soyuz, and SpaceX's Crew Dragon. He urged young Ghanaians toward STEM careers and spoke about sustainability challenges in orbit, including resource recycling and space debris.

Students from Presbyterian Boys' Secondary School (PRESEC), Legon winners of the National Science and Maths Quiz for a ninth consecutive year attended the event and had a chance to interact directly with Wakata.

Mustapha Bature Sallama
Medical/ Science Communicator,
Private Investigator, Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Analysis,

International Conflict Management and Peacebuilding. ( USIP)

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