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Ghana Celebrates Link to NASA’s Historic Artemis II Lunar Mission Through Astronaut Christina Koch

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Accra, Ghana – President John Dramani Mahama has extended warm congratulations to NASA astronaut Christina Koch, highlighting her academic connection to the University of Ghana as a proud moment for the country as she prepares to become the first woman to travel beyond low Earth orbit.

Koch is part of the four-member crew of NASA’s Artemis II mission, which will fly around the Moon — the first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years. Her journey gained special significance for Ghanaians after it emerged that she spent the 1999/2000 academic year as an exchange student at the University of Ghana, Legon.

During her time there, she studied courses including History of Ghana, History of Africa, Rural Sociology, Music, and Twi for Beginners.

The University of Ghana noted that Koch’s immersion in Ghanaian culture and academics helped shape her global outlook and adaptability — qualities that later defined her career in extreme environments, from Antarctica to the International Space Station. In a 2019 reflection from orbit, Koch described her Ghana experience as “positive, life-changing and perspective-deepening,” comparing studying abroad in Ghana to the wonders of spaceflight itself.

President Mahama, an alumnus of the University of Ghana, praised Koch’s achievement as an inspiration to Ghanaian youth, particularly young women in science and technology.

“Christina’s journey from the classrooms of the University of Ghana to the frontiers of space exploration serves as a powerful inspiration to every young Ghanaian,” he stated in a social media post.

The Artemis II crew includes Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. The mission is a critical step toward returning humans to the lunar surface and establishing long-term exploration capabilities.

Ghana’s symbolic connection to the mission adds to its growing space ambitions. The country launched its first satellite, GhanaSat-1, in 2017, marking its entry into space technology and STEM education. Koch’s story reinforces Africa’s increasing role in global scientific advancement through education, talent development, and international partnerships.

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EU Approves $23 Million Grant to Upgrade Ghana’s Tema-Mpakadan Railway

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Accra, Ghana – The European Commission has approved a €20 million (a little over $23 million) grant to support the implementation of the European Train Control System (ETCS Level 1) on Ghana’s Tema-Mpakadan railway line, in a major boost to the country’s efforts to modernise its rail infrastructure and improve operational efficiency.

The 97-kilometre standard-gauge railway, commissioned in 2024 for US$449 million, has been operating significantly below capacity due to a non-functional signalling system.

This currently restricts operations to a single train movement at a time, limiting both passenger and freight services despite rising demand. Dr Frederick Appoh, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), confirmed the grant approval following engagements at the recent EU-Africa Business Forum in Abidjan.

The funding follows the submission of an Aide Mémoire on sustainable transport four months ago. The project’s identification phase has now been completed, with formal approval granted in Brussels on March 27, 2026.

Implementation will proceed through several key stages, including a Quality Review Committee assessment in May 2026, validation by the NDICI Committee of EU Member States in September, and an expected EU Financing Decision in October, with first disbursements targeted for December 2026.

Once completed, the ETCS Level 1 system will enable safe multiple train operations through advanced supervision and movement authority. Dr Appoh said the upgrade will significantly improve capacity, reliability, safety, and overall utilisation of the line as a strategic national asset.

The project aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision to revitalise the Volta Corridor and position Ghana’s railway sector as a key driver of economic growth and regional connectivity.

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Ghana News

Prof Prempeh Slams Supreme Court, Police Officer Killed in Road Crash and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today

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We have curated the most relevant and impactful stories from Ghana for your enjoyment and awareness.

Prof Prempeh Descends on Supreme Court and AG Over Suit Against OSP
Executive Director of the renowned think tank Center for Democratic Development, Ghana (CDD-Ghana), Prof. Henry Kwasi Prempeh, has launched a strong criticism of the Supreme Court and the Attorney-General’s Department over a suit filed against the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). He described the legal action as an attempt to undermine the OSP’s independence and accused the judiciary and the AG of shielding corruption. Prof. Prempeh maintained that the move sets a dangerous precedent and weakens public confidence in anti-corruption institutions.
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Right Move, Wrong Timing – COMAC CEO Questions Govt’s Delay on Fuel Price Relief
The Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) has described the government’s planned intervention to reduce fuel prices as “the right move” but criticized the timing as too slow. He noted that the delay is compounding hardship on consumers already struggling with the recent sharp increases in petrol and diesel prices. The CEO called on the government to act more swiftly to implement relief measures before the situation escalates further.
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Mahama Enforces Fuel Coupon Ban for Ministers as Cabinet Moves to Slash Fuel Taxes
President John Dramani Mahama has directed that all government ministers and political appointees stop using fuel coupons with immediate effect. The directive comes as the Cabinet considers slashing certain fuel taxes and levies to provide relief to consumers following the recent price surge. The move is part of broader efforts by the government to demonstrate leadership and sacrifice amid the current economic pressures caused by global fuel price increases.
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NRSA Stands Firm on Toyota Voxy Ban Despite Transport Operators’ Opposition
The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has maintained its ban on the use of Toyota Voxy vehicles for commercial transport operations, despite strong opposition from transport unions and operators. The Authority cited safety concerns and the vehicle’s unsuitability for commercial passenger services. It has given operators a grace period to comply or switch to approved vehicles, insisting that the decision is non-negotiable and aimed at protecting public safety.
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Police Officer Killed in Road Crash at Atortorkorpe in Ada
A police officer has been killed in a tragic road accident at Atortorkorpe in the Ada area of Greater Accra. The officer lost his life while on duty when the vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a crash. Police have commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident as colleagues mourn the loss of their fellow officer.
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Ex-Black Stars Player Accuses Family of Stealing His 8-Bedroom House
A former player of the Black Stars has accused members of his own family of allegedly stealing his eight-bedroom house. The ex-footballer claims the property was taken from him through fraudulent means while he was away. The case has sparked public interest and is currently under police investigation.
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Ghana News

Newspaper Headlines Today: Wednesday, April 10, 2026

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Friday, April 10, 2026. Stay informed with today’s front pages of Ghanaian newspapers, all in one place.

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