Ghana to honour astronaut Christina Koch after historic Artemis II Moon mission

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that Ghana is set to formally honour American astronaut Christina Hammock Koch following her historic journey around the Moon.

Ablakwa shared the announcement on his X page on April 12, 2026.

“Congratulations to the Artemis II astronauts for the scientifically groundbreaking and exceedingly inspiring journey. For undertaking the farthest ever journey away from Earth and returning safely, they have excellently demonstrated that there can be no boundaries to human ingenuity and courage.

LIVESTREAMING: UG’s Christina Koch and her NASA Artemis II crew return to Earth

“I can confirm that the Government of Ghana has conveyed through diplomatic channels its intention at a mutually agreed time for President Mahama to on behalf of the people of Ghana honour the only female astronaut, Christina Hammock Koch, who studied at the University of Ghana and proudly celebrates her association with Ghana," he wrote.

The recognition follows the successful completion of the Artemis II mission, which has been widely regarded as a defining moment in modern space exploration.

Organised by NASA, the mission marked the first crewed lunar flight in more than 50 years and saw astronauts journey to the far side of the Moon before returning safely to Earth.

Koch, who served as a mission specialist onboard the Orion spacecraft, played a key role in monitoring critical onboard systems, including life support, navigation, and communications.

Her participation has drawn global recognition, as she becomes the first woman to travel into deep space.

Her landmark achievement carries additional significance, as she previously studied at the University of Ghana under an exchange programme.

The university has celebrated her accomplishment as evidence of the global impact of its academic community.

See the post below:

Congratulations to the Artemis II astronauts for the scientifically groundbreaking and exceedingly inspiring journey. For undertaking the farthest ever journey away from Earth and returning safely they have excellently demonstrated that there can be no boundaries to human… pic.twitter.com/bi5VA2bZs7

— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) April 12, 2026