By Christabel DANSO ABEAM
The country is on course to develop a national space law, which seeks to provide an effective legal framework that will unlock innovation, protect national data and open up the sector for private collaboration.
The space law will serve as the legal instrument required to operationalise Ghana’s Space Policy as the country moves to leverage the socio-economic potential of space science and technology.
Approved by Cabinet in March 2022 and launched November last year, the Ghana Space Policy is a framework designed to integrate space technology into the nation’s key sectors: including agriculture, environmental monitoring, telecommunications, navigation and disaster management.
The pending legislation, once passed, will define institutional roles, regulate space-related activities and provide a framework to attract private sector investment into the thriving space sector. It is also expected to address key issues including data governance, orbital safety, satellite operations and international compliance.
This came to light during a 3-day technical advisory mission on ghana’s space law, led by the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the French government.
Director-GSSTI Dr. Joseph Bremang Tandoh, in his speech during the programme in Accra, noted the mission’s importance – depicting it as a strategic step toward transforming Ghana’s ambitions in space science into structured, sustainable, national capabilities.
“We have reached the edge of what we can do without a binding legal framework. A national space law is essential to clarify roles, regulate activity and protect our interests in an increasingly complex global space environment,” he noted.
According to him, the country’s space journey began over a decade ago and has seen significant milestones – citing the launch of GhanaSat-1; conversion of the Kuntunse station into a functioning radio astronomy observatory; and participation in the Africa-wide Square Kilometre Array project. But these successes have however taken place in the absence of dedicated national legislation.
The proposed law aims to address this gap by providing legal clarity for actors in the space ecosystem, both public and private. It will set out licencing regimes, ensure accountability in space activities and establish governance mechanisms that align with international norms. It is also expected to lay the legal foundation for formal establishment of a Ghana Space Agency.
“As space technologies become integral to national development – especially in areas like precision agriculture, climate monitoring, disaster response and satellite communications – the need for regulatory coordination and data sovereignty becomes urgent,” Dr. Tandoh stressed.
He further called on national stakeholders – from regulatory bodies to academia and industry – to fully participate in the consultative process, ensuring the law is inclusive, responsive to local realities and future-proof.
“Ask the hard questions. Share your challenges and insights. This legal framework must be practical and grounded in needs of the people and institutions it seeks to serve,” he urged.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Kwamena Essilfie Quaison, Director-Science, Technology and Innovation at the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), also said that this significant move demonstrates Ghana’s commitment to transitioning from policy to enforceable legal frameworks in line with international best practices.
“Policy without law is like a ship without a rudder,” Mr. Quaison stated, emphasing that the development of a National Space Law will establish regulatory clarity, asset protection and investor confidence in Ghana’s emerging space economy.
On his part, the process is not just technical but also transformational; hence, he reiterated Ghana’s vision of encouraging space technologies to play a critical role in sustainable development and economic transformation.
Aarti Holla-Maini, Director-UNOOSA, in her address also reaffirmed their support for Ghana’s space ambitions – urging the country to adopt key international treaties and initiate an extensive national space law to govern its broadening scope in outer space.
Applauding Ghana’s commitment to harnessing space not just for prestige but innovation, development and knowledge-sharing, she said: “ Ghana has laid a strong foundation to integrate space into national development.
“As Ghana’s activities in outer space increase, it becomes ever more necessary to secure this progress in a robust legal framework,” she noted.
Underscoring the importance of aligning Ghana’s laws with the five core United Nations treaties on outer space, the Director indicated that it lays groundwork for a sustainable, peaceful and internationally compliant exploration and use – while encouraging Ghana to be part of the broader global community that fosters the rules of outer space.
“A robust legal framework is important for conducting space activities safely and for fostering the growth of national space industries. Ratifying the core treaties and crafting national legislation will not only enhance Ghana’s credibility but also reduce uncertainty for investors and partners.”
Ms. Holla-Maini further acknowledged that the process of ratification and law-making is multifaceted, requiring national consensus and technical expertise. However, she said her agency will continue to support Ghana through legal assistance, capacity building and international cooperation under its Global Spacewalk Project.
“We do not impose a one-size-fits-all model,” the Director noted. “Our aim is to work hand-in-hand with Ghana’s experts to help develop a space law tailored to national priorities and aspirations.”
The 3-day programme, which took place from 17th – 19th June 2025, was designed to provide a comprehensive overview of international space law and its national implementation; explore the United Nations Treaties on Outer Space; examine core concepts such as authorisation, registration and liability; and discuss key issues including long-term sustainability, insurance and intellectual property.
A key component of this mission is the Scenario-Based Exercise, which offers participants an opportunity to apply what they learn in a practical context – working through real-world challenges and considering how national space law can support sustainable and safe space activities.
