An international workshop on Satellite Technology was on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 held at the Dr. Eva von Hirsch Auditorium, GTUC main campus.

The purpose of the workshop was to bring together experts from various related fields in space and satellite technology to share their expertise with participants. It was also intended to explore collaboration with the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) to establish a space and satellite programme at GTUC.

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Osei Darkwa, President, GTUC, stated that increasingly, space products and services are becoming integrated with consumer electronics and daily necessities. “GPS navigation systems and geo-location applications are found in cars, phones, homes and businesses”, he added.

Dr. Darkwa stated that GTUC is collaborating with the Cape Peninsula University of Technology to establish a space and satellite programme adding “our initiative will complement existing initiatives in the field – this is a journey of innovation and evolution”.

Outlining the objectives of the workshop, Prof. Robert Van Zyl, leader of the team of facilitators from CPUT noted that the workshop, and the intended collaboration with GTUC, aimed at eliminating the myths surrounding space and satellite technology. He added that focus on satellite technology was an imperative for nations seeking socio-economic growth and development.

Prof. F. A. Allotey, the Special Guest of Honour, stated that science, technology and innovation are perceived the world over as necessary tools for social and economic development. He added that countries such as China, South Korea, India, Malaysia and Singapore have achieved significant growth due to the focus on science and technology. Prof. Allotey expressed delight that attention was being given to the application of science and technology in Ghana.

Participants at the workshop were from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), NIIT, Ghana Education Service, TV3, and the Ministry of Communications. Others are GTUC, Accra Polytechnic, Genec Electrix Limited, Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare and CPUT.