Thematic debate of the first committee: Outer space (Disarmament Aspect)

Linda Kesse Antwi (Mrs)
Counsellor/First Committee Expert
Conference Room 4,
United Nations, New York
October 30, 2024

THEMATIC DEBATE OF THE FIRST COMMITTEE: OUTER SPACE (DISARMAMENT ASPECT) AT THE 79^TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Thank you, Madam Chair,
Ghana aligns herself with the statements delivered during the consideration of this cluster by Chad on behalf of the African Group and by Indonesia on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. We offer these additional remarks in our national capacity.

Madam Chair,
It is Ghana’s view that, consistent with our common aspiration, the domain of outer space should be used only for peaceful purposes. In this regard, the increasing militarization of outer space, coupled with the risk of an arms race, is a major concern that must be urgently addressed, especially as it has escalated from a theoretical issue to a tangible threat. In the words of the UN Secretary-General in his remarks to the Conference on Disarmament earlier this year, “An arms race in outer space has moved from speculation to real possibility  a prospect with potentially catastrophic consequences.

Madam Chair,
Outer space must remain free of all weapons, including weapons of mass destruction and indeed all forms of armaments. While technological advances in outer space are crucial for human progress, we must recognize and address the dual-use dilemma posed by these technologies. We all have an obligation to mitigate the risks of weaponization due to the blurring line between civilian and military use in space systems.

We cannot ignore the threat posed to the peaceful nature of space and the humanitarian consequences of developing and testing anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons and space-based missile systems. These weapons not only threaten international peace but also endanger critical global infrastructure such as communication networks, weather monitoring systems, and disaster response mechanisms.

This year, for the first time, the UN Security Council discussed outer space security, underscoring the convergence of concerns and the urgent need for coordinated global action to prevent the militarization and potential weaponization of this domain.

Madam Chair,
In view of these developments, Ghana maintains strong support for the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) initiative and considers the lack of progress in concluding a legally binding instrument under the General Assembly mandate on PAROS as a significant concern. We reaffirm the urgent need for substantive negotiations within the Conference on Disarmament (CD) to establish a multilaterally verifiable and binding instrument that prohibits the placement of weapons in outer space and the use of force against space objects. Only through such an instrument can we prevent further escalation and maintain outer space as a peaceful domain for future generations.

Madam Chair,
While we await the conclusion of a legally binding instrument that comprehensively bans all weapons in outer space, Ghana stresses the importance of strict compliance with existing arms limitation and disarmament agreements, including bilateral accords and the 1967 Treaty on Outer Space.

We also call for enhanced political limitations through strengthened international cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes, recognizing this as essential for the collective good of all humankind. Ghana welcomes the consensual adoption of the report by the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on Further Practical Measures for the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space and supports its recommendations to promote Transparency and Confidence-Building Measures (TCBMs) in outer space activities.

Furthermore, we welcome and support the proposed merger of the two open-ended working groups established under UNGA resolutions 78/20 and 78/238, recognizing its potential to streamline efforts and foster effective dialogue. This initiative is particularly beneficial for smaller delegations, as it enhances efficiency, allows for more focused contributions, and minimizes duplicative efforts, reducing both financial and logistical costs associated with multiple groups

Madam Chair,
At the continental level, Ghana strongly supports the African Union’s Space Policy and Strategy, adopted in 2016. This policy emphasizes the peaceful use of outer space for the socio-economic development of Africa. The establishment of the African Space Agency (AfSA) underscores Africa’s commitment to developing its space capabilities, ensuring that space activities remain peaceful and accessible to all. This strategy not only strengthens Africa’s technological and scientific base but also positions the continent as a key player in global space governance.

Madam Chair,
In conclusion, Ghana reaffirms the inalienable right of all States to explore and use outer space for peaceful purposes, in line with international law and the UN Charter. This exploration must benefit all humankind, regardless of a nation’s economic or scientific capacity. We reiterate that, while current efforts and agreements on outer space security are vital for building trust, preventing misunderstandings, and avoiding accidental escalation, they cannot replace the need for a legally binding instrument that fully addresses the militarization of outer space.

I thank you.