Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has welcomed veteran Japanese astronaut Dr Koichi Wakata to Accra as Ghana and Japan explore new opportunities for cooperation in space science, technology and innovation.
Dr Wakata, who is also Chief Technology Officer for Asia Pacific at Axiom Space, is in Ghana from September 15 to 19, 2026, for engagements focused on knowledge exchange and strengthening collaboration between Ghana and Japan in the space sector.
Ablakwa Welcomes Ghana-Japan Space Partnership
Minister Ablakwa hosted Dr Wakata at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra, where discussions centred on the importance of international partnerships in advancing Ghana’s space science ambitions.
The Minister assured Dr Wakata that the Foreign Affairs Ministry was ready to coordinate and support partnerships that advance Ghana’s national and strategic objectives.
He stressed that space exploration is a global undertaking requiring cooperation among countries, scientists, engineers and institutions.
Ghana and Japan Strengthen Space Science Cooperation
The engagement forms part of Ghana’s broader efforts to deepen its bilateral relationship with Japan through science, technology and innovation.
A key milestone in that relationship is Japan’s support for Ghana’s space programme, including assistance connected to the launch of Ghana’s first satellite. Japanese officials said Dr Wakata’s visit provides an opportunity to build on that experience and explore further cooperation.
Ghana and Japan are also working to strengthen cooperation in areas where satellite technology can support national development, including agriculture, environmental monitoring, disaster management and communications.
Dr Koichi Wakata Engages Ghanaian Students
One of the highlights of Dr Wakata’s visit has been his interaction with young Ghanaian students.
Students from Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC), Legon, the 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz champions, were given the opportunity to meet and interact with the Japanese astronaut.
Dr Wakata encouraged young Ghanaians to consider careers in science, technology and engineering, sharing lessons from his own journey into human spaceflight.
Veteran Astronaut Shares Space Experience
Dr Wakata has completed five space flights and spent a cumulative 504 days in space. He has flown aboard the Space Shuttle, the Russian Soyuz spacecraft and SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. He also became the first Japanese astronaut to serve as commander of the International Space Station in 2014.
During his engagements in Ghana, he also highlighted the importance of sustainability in space and the need to address the growing challenge of space debris.
70 Years of Ghana-Japan Diplomatic Relations
Minister Ablakwa noted that 2027 will mark the 70th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between Ghana and Japan.
He also highlighted Japan’s longstanding contributions to Ghana in areas including science, research and public health, describing the bilateral relationship as an important platform for future cooperation.
Building Ghana’s Space Science Future
The visit comes as Ghana works to strengthen its institutional and technical capacity in space science and technology.
Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the University of Ghana and other institutions have expressed interest in expanding exchanges, research partnerships and capacity-building opportunities with Japan.
Dr Wakata’s visit is therefore providing a platform for Ghanaian students, researchers and officials to learn from international experience while exploring new opportunities in space science and technology.
The engagement is expected to contribute to the growing Ghana-Japan partnership as both countries seek to use science, technology and innovation to support national development.