Drone Laws in Ghana
Verfasst von Francis Markert | Last update on 30.01.2026 | 14 Kommentare
In this article, we explain the legal situation for using drones in Ghana.
Since 2025, new regulations apply to drone users in Ghana. From now on, all drones must be declared upon entry (land, sea, or air) at the Customs Division at the point of entry. To do this, you must submit the form R28-AF-001 at least 5 working days before the planned import. For commercial/private use, you may also need to provide company registration certificates and cover letters.
In addition to the import permit, as a drone owner you must register your equipment in Ghana. Initial registration can only be completed in person at the GCAA office (Kotoka International Airport). The registration must be renewed annually. A system that will allow online renewal is currently in development.
Drone registration fees
Registration fees vary greatly depending on the type of use and drone. Here is an overview of the official charges according to the GCAA Scheme of Charges (2019):
| Category | Registration (Initial/Renewal) | Letter of Approval (private) |
| Small & Light RPAS | 20 USD | 10 USD |
| Large RPAS (Group A, 7-500kg) | 30 USD | 15 USD |
| Large RPAS (Group B, 501-2499kg) | 60 USD | 30 USD |
Before your trip to Ghana, you should contact the CAA. Pilots without registration can face up to 30 years in prison. Specific penalties depending on the offense can be found here.
Overview: Drone rules in Ghana
Drone labels can be ordered here
Mail: [email protected]
WhatsApp +233-(0)54 317 5578
Other regulations in Ghana
Private drone flights may only take place within visual line of sight unless special permission has been granted. To obtain such permission, you must meet the requirements for commercial activities. If someone is supervising your flight as a spotter/observer, they must also prove their competence to the CAA.
Drones in Ghana are divided into three categories:
- Small RPAS: Up to a take-off mass of 1.5 kilograms
- Light RPAS: Take-off weight over 1.5 kilograms and up to max. 7 kilograms
- Large RPAS: All drones weighing more than 7 kilograms
The different regulations for the categories can be found in the PDF linked above.
In addition, the GCAA distinguishes by usage:
- Recreational: Personal entertainment/hobby
- Private: Business use without payment (e.g. internal company documentation)
- Commercial: Business use with payment
Good to know: The regulations mentioned here do not apply to the use of drones inside buildings. Failure to comply with the regulations can lead to severe prison sentences.
Flight restrictions and safety distances
A lateral distance of ten kilometers must be maintained from airports and helipads. Keep a minimum distance of 30 meters from buildings, vehicles, and uninvolved persons.
Night flights with a drone are only permitted in Ghana with approval from the CAA.
For FPV races, a special permit must be applied for at least 30 days in advance.
Commercial drone use in Ghana
Commercial drone pilots need an RPAS Operating Certificate (ROC), which is issued by the CAA and can be applied for from the age of 18. During commercial flights, you are required to have, among other things, a Safety Management System (SMS) and an Emergency Response Plan. All commercial pilots in Ghana must also maintain additional documentation, such as a flight log and proof of competence.
The drone regulations for Ghana listed here have been researched to the best of our knowledge. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information. If you want to be on the safe side, contact the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority. Alternatively, you can also reach out to the Ghanaian embassy in your home country for more information about the regulations. Please leave us a comment if you have any updates and/or your own experience flying a drone in Ghana!
I am traveling to Ghana next week and cannot find a link on here that gets me to contact the CAA or the GCAA for registering with them. I am registered int he States btu I am guessing strongly that I need more than that in Ghana. Please let me know who or where to go to best get this process started. Thanks
How did things go for you? Any information to share on how to prepare or ways to get permission?
I’m off to Ghana in 2 months, just ordered my first drone and looking forward at the opportunity to fly. I’m aware that i need to register for a RPAS license, but can’t find any information on where to find the documentation.
Hi guys,
At the moment, I do not have more information. As soon as I get a deeper insight, I’ll share the news here. Sorry that I cannot help you further. In the meanwhile, you can reach out to the CAA of Ghana.
Dear friends,
I am going to Ghana in October 2018, but without my drone (DJI MAvic). It is absolutely impossible to receive permission. I have read completely the document on CAA Ghana website, and be sure it is so complicated, it is better to leave drone at home. Better than stay 30 years in Ghana prison 🙁
Yes, absolutely. I would not risk being arrested. It’s a pity!
I got my Operation manual approved in Ghana
Very long process
Just remain the demonstration phase
We operate Dji Inspire and Matrice.
We have all the necessary contacts to get it
Alain
RDFE
Ias
Ghana
Ivory Coast
Congratulations! Let us know how the rest of the process went, please.
So many words here and reality in Ghana? I asked my friends there if he can use the drone and he said without any problems….the law in Ghana is like § . For the citizens are prepared draconian restriction and aborigines can do whatever. That is a life…. 🙂
Next time I will borrow my Mavic PRO to aborigine friend and that´s it ….
It could be. I would not risk it anyway.
Yes I Agree…. next time the drone will be ” a gift for my friend”. No permission etc….. He will use the drone as pilot and after that I´ll move it back…. 🙂 The rules there are absurd. Compare it with other. If the human has a brain, no rules are needed 🙂
I am so pleased to find this blog, very useful! We will be in Ghana in July and it seems it is too late (only 2 months before the trip) to get a permission for flying a drone in Ghana. Any suggestion for hiring a drone from a company in Ghana and the costs? We are looking to take aerial photographs of the Bui Park on the Black Volta river. If anyone happens to have some and are willing to share, it would be so much appreciated!
Hi Helene, I can recommend you my friend Jonathan. He is Ghanaian. He can help you with the drone driving and as a guide.
Send me an email to [email protected]
And thank you to Francis for this excellent pages!!
I currently live and work in Ghana and fly around the country with my drones.
In order for travelers to be able to fly a drone in Ghana, the drone must be registered with the GCAA. One of the requirements is to complete an online exam, which can be found on the GCAA’s website. After you have successfully completed the exam, you will receive an exam number and the required certificate, which must be printed out. Then you go personally to the GCAA, where you then show not only the certificate but also the drone that you want to fly during your stay in Ghana.
Important: make sure you have your passport with you!
The drone is briefly inspected by a GCAA employee and the serial number ( QR code of the drone ) is scanned. You then fill out some paperwork. The cost of registration per drone is $20, which is paid at the cash desk in the same building. Then you have to wait, because the processing time for the registration can take up to 7 business days.
After completing the registration, you will receive a call/email with the information that you can pick up the required registration number for the drones. The sticker is then affixed to the drone and must be visible on the drone for the time the drone is used in the country.
On the subject of insurance: I have insurance that covers the world and I advise you to take out one if you don’t have one!
Topic flying at monuments such as Black Star Arc – for this area the drone pilot needs a written permit, which only the Bureau of National Security issues!
Furthermore, please pay attention to the local laws and guidelines of the country. Anyone caught flying a drone without registering will face severe penalties.