Space Outreach in Ghana: Developmental Plans for Space Science Education
- Paper number
IAC-16,E1,6,9,x31901
- Coauthor
Mr. Andoh Michael Afful, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Australia
- Year
2016
- Abstract
Ghanaian society by far believes in Astronomy and Astrology but lacks formal education in these aspects. Ghana is one of the member states of United Nation (UN) and listed as a third world country with less or no proper space infrastructure. Space science and astronomy education has always been one of the most fascinating subjects among the Ghanaian populace. This is very important if Ghana would want to succeed as a self-reliant space nation capable of addressing its own technological needs supported by the rapid economic development in the past few decades. With the rapid development of information and communication technology (ICT) and participation in the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) and Space Generation Congress (SGC) in recent years has heightened the level of space science awareness in the Ghanaian society. This paper will highlight outreach activities led by the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) in conjunction with the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) and African Centre for Science and International Security (AFRICSIS). Procedures, techniques and ideas used in providing space education through various activities and programs to students and teachers at different levels and to the general public would be addressed. This paper will also present an overview of the current state of space science education and outreach activities in Ghana. Initiatives of the Government of Ghana and roadmap for the next 5 years will be presented in brief. In addition, the various misconceptions that stems from lack of exposure to space science outside the educational setting will be addressed and the way forward discussed. Finally, the future developmental plans for astronomy and space science in Ghana will be presented.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)