EORIC ORGANIZED SATELLITE TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION (STI) SUMMIT - EORIC

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• eoric_admin
• June 21, 2018

Earth Observation Research and Innovation Centre (EORIC) of University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) Sunyani, sponsored by UENR and DMA Technology Ltd, on 21st June 2018 organized one-day Satellite Technology Innovation (STI) Summit. The summit theme was on “Innovations in Satellite Technology for Sustainable Development Goals – SDGs: Ghana’s readiness to fully participate and contribute immensely to Africa Space Science and Technology Innovations”. The summit key focus of discussion was on the impact and the importance of satellite technology innovations and how it can help achieve agenda 2030 sustainable development goals – SDGs and also, key stakeholders in the Space Science Technology and Innovation sphere were engaged on their expert views and inputs on a proposed strategic initiative“Satellite Technology Innovation-STI Arena”. With EORIC engagement in Space related activities in areas of satellite ground segment infrastructure for data acquisition in interdisciplinary research and education in areas of water, disasters, energy, climate, agriculture, ecosystems, weather, health and biodiversity. Hence, a proposed strategic initiative. The STI Arena is to coordinate and facilitate training and outreach programs in areas of Satellite Technology and Space related program to be implemented EORIC. The number of participants who attended the summit was about 45 included representatives from UENR, research Centre’s of UENR (EORIC and 3CGS), National Communication Authority – NCA, Ghana Broadcasting Cooperation – GBC/GTV, Ghana National Fire Service, DMA Technology Ltd and Brong Ahafo Satellite Direct to Home-DTH installers association. NCA, GBC/GTV and GNF are represented by their Brong Ahafo regional officers. Professor Emmanuel Opuni-Frimpong, Pro-Vice Chancellor of UENR, Dr Amos T. Kabo-bah, Head of EORIC and A.D.O. I Prince Baffour Gyau Brong Ahafo Regional Rural Fire Coordinator was the keynote speakers for the various section during the summit. Followed was the purpose of the summit delivered by Evans Yaw Adom, STI Arena Assistant Coordinator on behalf of Dr Mark Amo-Boateng STI Arena Coordinator. The opening keynote was delivered by Dr Amos T. Kabo-bah on behalf of Dr Nana Ama Browne Klutse, Manager Remote Sensing GIS and Climate Centre, GSSTI as the guest keynote speaker of the summit. The Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UENR, Professor Emmanuel Opuni Frimpong in his presentation on the topic “Using Satellite to Protect Forest Reserves in Ghana” demonstrated how satellite collected reflected energy from the vegetation to help determine the rate of deforestation in Ghana. He also stated that satellite images could be used to determine the timely spread of crop infestation by diseases such as the fall armyworm pandemic in Ghana. Professor Opuni further demonstrated based on research they have conducted on Temporal Dynamics of Tano Offin Extension Forest Reserve Vegetation health using Spectral Vegetation Indices (Remote Sensing Satellite images) from 1986 to 2017. The satellite images had shown a drastic change in forest cover with a massive indication of deforestation. He called on the government to help implement sustainable policies for afforestation. Dr Amos T. Kabo-bah has bemoaned the cost and state of internet connectivity in Ghana. High cost and unreliable internet connectivity impeded the implementation of some key policies such as E-governance, access to quality education and health care with the provision of information via the internet. While he stressed the need for more investment in the fibre optics sector in Ghana, he also wants government and the private sector in the telecommunication industry to consider investing in the satellite industry to provide satellite internet that would serve as backhaul for cellular internet and provide connectivity for under and unsaved areas (rural areas) by the cellular network. A typical example of Elon Musk’s Space X, Oneweb, US base private companies and others who have planned to launch over fibre-like satellite from 2019 to provide internet connectivity worldwide. This development would serve as backhaul for cellular internet and provide connectivity for under and unsaved areas (rural areas) by the cellular network and also create job opportunity for youth with the skills and knowledge to work in the Space industry. The Regional Rural Fire Coordinator, ADO I Prince Baffour Gyau also gave a presentation on “Using Satellite Technology to Fight Fire Outbreaks especially bushfires”. He commended EORIC for their support with the Advanced Fire Information System (AFIS) for monitoring rural fire outbreaks. He said satellite remote sensing had become a primary data source for fire monitoring, mapping and fire ecology research. He said the Brong Ahafo Region was the only region in Ghana using remote sensing equipment for fire detection which he said was possible with the assistance of EORIC. He also added that the information obtained from the AFIS helped the Brong Ahafo Fire Service Command to analyze bushfire incidents based on when and where they often occurred and make the necessary precautionary measures available. Discussing the way forward of Satellite Technology Innovation Arena, Dr Kabo-bah said, EORIC will be rolling out short courses on satellite and remote sensing to enhance the knowledge of individuals, to manage satellite data and installation which will also create employment which participants indicate their interest in attending.