A Ghanaian Space Scientist working with the National Aeronautic Space Agency in the United States of America, Dr. Ave Kludzehas called on African leaders to tap the rich knowledge that abounds on the continent and prescribe solutions to problems confronting our daily lives.

He expressed worry about the dependence of Africans on the Western nations for solutions to developmental challenges facing the continent adding that “Until Africans learn to solve our own problems; our resources would be exploited to the advantage of the Western world.”

Delivering a lecture on the topic, “Ghana to Move to Space: The Potential and Prospects” at the School of Medical Sciences Auditorium, North Campus, Dr. Kludze commended Ghana for successfully launching the Space Programme in the country.  “The Space Programme will put more African faces on the space frontier and contribute to the development of the continent”, he explained.

Dr. Kludze pointed out that the launching of the programme would uncover and exploit the capabilities of science and technology for national socio-economic and technological development through cutting-edge research. Another benefit which he mentioned “is to foster teaching and learning as well as the commercial application of space research, for the economic transformation of Ghana and West Africa.”

To achieve the full benefit of the Space Programme, Dr. Kludze urged the government to adequately fund the centre to ensure its sustainability. In addition, he also called for “investment in human capital development as well as making the educational curriculum responsive to needs of the country.”