The Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Dr Kwaku Afriyie has announced that the National Space Policy has been approved by Cabinet.
The policy is expected to serve as a framework for utilizing space science and technology to drive national development.
The Minister made this statement at the Ministers’ Press Briefing organised by the Ministry of Information in Accra today.
He stated that the Ministry would collaborate with relevant ministries and the private sector to establish the Ghana Space Agency.
“This agency will coordinate the development of human capital, infrastructure, and the overall growth of the space science sector”, Hon Kwaku Afriyie said.
Hon. Kwaku Afriyie revealed that his outfit under the Ghana-Korea K-Innovation Partnership Programme, had developed and unveiled a comprehensive 10-year masterplan which would enhance the commercialization of research and innovation in the country.
He reiterated MESTI’s commitment to global disarmament efforts and mentioned that his Ministry in partnership with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), was actively reviewing the Biological and Toxin Weapons Bill to implement the 1972 Convention on the Prohibition of Bacteriological and Toxin Weapons.
Environmental Protection
The Minister said that some 12 SMEs have been selected to receive technical and financial support under the Circular Economy Framework for the plastics sector in Ghana Project to address the pressing need of environmental challenges.
These initiatives include discouraging single-use plastic production, demonstrating the production of biodegradable plastics, and promoting the recycling of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), (High-Density Polyethylene Plastic Type) HDPE, Low-Density Polyethylene Plastic Type (LDPE), and more.
He revealed that the Plastic-Free Schools project has been implemented in two schools, focusing on plastic segregation and integration of plastic management programs into the curriculum.
“We have also collaborated with the University of Ghana and Notpla to introduce the Ooho edible water packaging and compostable take-away boxes in selected restaurants on the UG campus”, Hon. Kwaku Afriyie stated.
To manage electronic waste, the Ministry is implementing the sustainable management of electrical and electronic waste with support from the German Development Cooperation.
The Minister further stated that over 315.71 tons of e-waste cables, 36.65 tons of mixed batteries, 19.94 tons of thermoplastics, and 106 sets of CRTs have been retrieved, mitigating their harmful impact on the environment.
Source: MOI (PR Unit)
