President John Dramani Mahama has congratulated NASA astronaut Christina Koch following her selection as a crew member of the Artemis II mission, describing her achievement as a source of national pride.

In a post on X, he joined the University of Ghana and Ghanaians in celebrating Koch, who studied at the institution as an exchange student during the 1999/2000 academic year.

“It is a point of immense pride to learn that Christina, the only woman on this pioneering lunar mission, was once an exchange student at our very own University of Ghana,” President Mahama wrote.

He noted that Koch’s time at Legon went beyond academics, highlighting her immersion in Ghanaian culture through courses such as the History of Ghana, African History, Rural Sociology, Music, and Twi for Beginners.

“Her time at Legon was not just a passing visit; she truly immersed herself in our culture and heritage,” he stated.

President Mahama also referenced Koch’s symbolic gesture of hoisting the Ghanaian flag in space, describing it as a deeply emotional moment.

“Her gesture of hoisting the Ghanaian flag in outer space was a deeply touching moment for every Ghanaian,” he added.

He said Koch’s journey from Legon to space serves as a powerful inspiration to young Ghanaians.

“Christina’s journey, serves as a powerful inspiration to every young Ghanaian,” he noted, wishing her and the crew “godspeed on your return journey to Earth.”

Sompaonline.com/Derrick Djan