The Space Satellite Technology Laboratory from the All Nations University College (ANU) extended an invitation to the Head of Information Technology from the Commission to participate in The 6th Space Science Satellite Technology Applications conference from 20th to 23rd November, 2017 at the All Nations University College main campus in Koforidua.
The theme of the conference was “The importance of Small Satellite Technology Applications in Enhancing Socio-Economic Activities in Developing Countries”.
The four day conference brought together researchers and expert from around the world which include Japan, Nigeria, South Africa, Thaiwan, Ugannda and other European Countries to discuss GhanaSat-1 which was developed by All Nations University, and deployed into orbit on the 7th July, 2017. GhanaSat-1, Ghana’s first satellite, was designed and built by three ANU graduates currently studying at KYUTECH in Japan. The Conference also aimed at building human capacity in the area of Space Science and Satellite Technology through innovative research and development in Africa.
The Head of IT, Mr. Frank Asomani Boateng who represented the Commission presented on the Effects of illicit proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons vis-à-vis proposing Space & Satellite technology in fighting the small arms menace. He also took part in a panel discussion on fighting illegal Small Scale Mining (Galamsey) using Space and Satellite Technology. He articulated his views on how Space and Satellite Technology could be utilised to track illegal small scale miners who armed themselves during Galamsey operation in the near future. Illegal mining is one of the (tools that fuel or drives) demand for illicit arms proliferation in Ghana.
With the launch of Operation Vanguard, a task force commissioned by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana, to monitor and stop all the activities of illegal small scale miners in the country, some of these illegal miners still continue their illegal mining operations in an intelligent way such that they are not caught by the task force.
With the development of GhanaSat-2, activities of illegal miners could be monitored and also detect water pollution activities in Ghana. This will serve as a source of intelligence for security agencies and for that matter the task force to move in timely and reliable manner to apprehend these illegal miners with illicit arms who flout the laws of the land.
One of the local TV stations which was at the conference granted an interview to Mr. Asomani on their TV show popularly called Beyond the Ballot to discuss issues on Small Arms and Light Weapons. The interview afforded a lot of Ghanaians the opportunity to understand issues relating to small arms and light weapons in Ghana. The interview can be found on the link below.
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