PRAGSAC Revives Ghana’s Astronomy, Calls for Space Science Support

The Promoting Astronomy in Ghana through School Visits and Astronomy Clubs (PRAGSAC), in partnership with the Department of Earth Science and Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy (DARA), hosted the Fireside Skywatch Festival 2024 at the Department of Earth Science, University of Ghana.

Held on December 13, 2024, the festival brought together astronomy enthusiasts and the public to celebrate and reconnect with Africa’s rich astronomical heritage.

In an interview with Dr. Naomi Asabre Frimpong, the Head of Outreach and Science Communication Ghana Space science and technology institute she stated, “This event aims to inspire young people and show them that astronomy and space science are viable career options. Earlier this year, the Minister unveiled Ghana’s space policy, highlighting the country’s plans to become actively involved in the space industry. Astronomy, as a critical aspect of the space industry, has the unique ability to inspire youth to pursue STEM fields, which are essential for driving economic development.”

According to the National Astronomy Education Coordinator who doubles as the National Outreach Coordinator for the International Astronomical Union (IAU), Ing. Albert Kuntu Forson, the festival aimed to bridge the gap between ancient and modern perspectives on astronomy.

Ing. Forson emphasized the festival’s role in promoting astro-tourism in Ghana. “Many people are unaware of the beauty of our skies and their potential for tourism. We aim to promote astro-tourism alongside traditional tourism. This is our main focus and objective. Astronomy has contributed to the technological advancement such as Medical imaging technologies like CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays. Global Positioning System (GPS) for navigation, Weather forecasting through Earth-observing satellites,Wi-Fi technology developed from radio astronomy research, Infrared imaging techniques from astronomy are applied to detect crop stress, disease, and water needs and many more “ he added.

While discussing challenges, Ing. Forson highlighted funding as a major obstacle. “We have faced many difficulties, and one of them is funding.We depend mostly on  foreign funding through proposals writing. Most of our members are volunteers who visit schools regularly, often weekly. These visits require funding for transportation and learning and teaching materials. Without these resources, we cannot leave a lasting impact on the schools we visit. Even providing teaching and learning materials would help us continue our volunteering efforts, promote space science, and inspire the next generation of astronomers,” he added.

Ing. Forson also noted that PRAGSAC aims to extend its outreach to rural areas by forming astronomy and space science clubs in schools.

“Through these clubs, children are exposed to astronomy beyond their textbooks. Early exposure helps them make informed career choices, such as becoming astronomers, astronauts, or space scientists,” he explained.

He further called on the government to support the newly launched space policy and establish a national space agency.

“With a space agency, we can conduct more research and technological development, including satellite launches that can improve agriculture and other sectors,” Ing. Forson stated.

Held under the theme AfricaLookUp Cascade Outreach Activities as part of the International Astronomical Union General Assembly 2024 (IAU-GA2024), the Fireside Skywatch Festival 2024 aimed to revive the love for stargazing and promote astro-tourism in Ghana. Funded by the African Astronomical Society’s Education and Outreach Committee, the festival successfully bridged ancient and modern perspectives on astronomy.

Attendees enjoyed engaging activities, including stargazing through optical telescopes to observe the Moon, planets, stars, and galaxies; storytelling that showcased cultural astronomical knowledge from Ghana and other African countries such as Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia; and insightful presentations exploring connections between traditional and contemporary astronomy.

The festival featured prominent guest speakers, including Dr. Tom Scragg, DARA Tech. Manager; Dr. Marian Sapah, Senior Lecturer/Cosmochemist Department of Earth Science, University of Ghana; Prof. Larry P. Chegbeleh, Head of the Department of Earth Science, University of Ghana; Ing. Albert Kuntu Forson, National Outreach Coordinator Ghana Administrator, PRAGSAC; and Jemimah E. Kwa-Kuyi of the Mars Society, PRAGSAC ; Dr. Naomi Asabre Frimpong, Head of Outreach and Science Communication Ghana Space science and technology institute.

The event also served as a call to action for schools to invite PRAGSAC to establish astronomy and space science clubs, fostering interest among students. Astronomy and space science enthusiasts are also encouraged to join the PRAGSAC team to contribute to its mission.

About Dara

Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy (DARA) is a UK-South Africa initiative aimed at fostering economic growth by developing high-tech skills in radio astronomy across African nations like Ghana, Kenya, and Namibia. Since 2015, DARA has trained over 100 Ghanaian graduates in basic astronomy and astrophysics, awarding 50+ scholarships for advanced studies. The program empowers youth for leadership in space-sector development.