Drone Laws in Ghana

Flying drones in Ghana

In this post, we explain the legal situation for the use of drones in Ghana.

From September 2016, all Copter owners in Ghana have to register their equipment. The registration must be renewed annually.

Those who do not own a drone or want to import it into the country need the approval of the Civil Aviation Authority. Before you travel to Ghana, you should contact the CAA. Unregistered pilots can go to jail for up to 30 years.

Maximum altitude: In Ghana, the drone height limit is 121 meters (400 feet) above ground.

Maximum horizontal distance and FPV: Private drone flights must only be within the direct line of sight unless a special permit has been granted. To obtain these approvals, you must meet the requirements for commercial activities. If a person next to you is observing your drone flight as a spotter, that person must also prove their own skills at the CAA.

Compulsory insurance: In Ghana drones are only approved if you have Ghana valid drone insurance.

Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): Drones are divided into 3 categories in Ghana:

  • Small RPAS: Up to a take-off weight of 1.5 kilograms
  • Light RPAS: With a take-off weight of more than 1.5 kilograms and up to max. 7 kilograms
  • Large RPAS: All drones weighing more than 7 kilograms

The different terms for the categories can be understood in the PDF linked below.

Distance to airports: To airports and helipads a lateral distance of 10 kilometers must be observed.

Operating times: Night flights with a drone are only allowed in Ghana with a release from the CAA.

Special legislation: For FPV-Races a special permit has to be requested at least 30 days in advance.

Commercial Pilot Regulations: Commercial drone controllers require an RPAS Operating Certificate (ROC) issued by the CAA. You can not apply for the ROC if you are younger than 18 years. During commercial flights, you will need a Safety Management System (SMS) and an Emergency Response Plan. All commercial pilots also have to maintain further documentation in Ghana, such as a logbook and qualifications.

Good to know: The provisions mentioned here do not apply to the use of drones inside buildings. Failure to comply with the regulations can result in massive prison sentences.

Helpful Links: CAA GhanaDraft New RegulationQuartz

We have researched the listed drone regulations for Ghana to the best of our knowledge. We cannot guarantee the correctness of the information. If you want to be on the safe side, contact the competent aviation authority. Alternatively, you can also ask the embassy in your country for further information about the regulations. Please leave us a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your copter in Ghana!

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About the author

Since January 2015, we travel around the world. In our backpack we carry a camera drone which we use to capture the best places from a bird’s perspective. First we travelled with a DJI Phantom 2. But now we use several drones like the DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ or the DJI Mini 3 Pro. On our blog we share the best tips for you about travelling with a drone. If you have questions about this article or new information, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment!

Discussions

  • Matt McCotter | 05.04.2018

    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

    • Caleb Phelps | 18.06.2018

      How did things go for you? Any information to share on how to prepare or ways to get permission?

  • kwesi taylor | 13.06.2018

    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.

  • Francis Markert | 29.06.2018

    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.

  • Spring | 25.09.2018

    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 🙁

    • Francis Markert | 26.10.2018

      Yes, absolutely. I would not risk being arrested. It’s a pity!

  • Alain Morla | 03.12.2018

    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

    • Francis Markert | 07.01.2019

      Congratulations! Let us know how the rest of the process went, please.

  • Springpeace | 11.12.2018

    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 ….

    • Francis Markert | 07.01.2019

      It could be. I would not risk it anyway.

      • Spring | 08.01.2019

        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 🙂

  • Helen | 09.05.2019

    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!

  • Spring | 28.05.2019

    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!!

  • Daniel | 28.09.2022

    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.

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