Ghana has over the years made tremendous progress towards achieving accelerated development with the use of ICT and one of such ICT landmarks is the introduction and usage of drones in Ghana.  

Drones have generally had a sinister image, mainly due to its use by the military to track enemy combatants. Drones currently have key roles in aerial photographs and videos, real estate photography, elections monitoring, remote sensing, automated package delivery, and search and rescue in humanitarian response. 

Improvements in technology and lowering cost has led to the remodeling of drones to have development applications to contribute in growth in sectors such as health, agriculture, security, road safety and traffic management; natural resource management, aerial photography, 3-D mapping; search and rescue, among others.


According to Ghana’s national aviation authority, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), flying a drone is legal in Ghana, but we recommend being aware of and compliant with the drone regulations listed below before doing so.

If you’d like to contact the GCAA directly before you travel with any questions you might have, here is their contact information: info@gcaagh.com / +233 21 776 177

General Rules for Flying a Drone in Ghana

  1. All drones must be registered with the GCAA. Registration fees may cost up to $4,000, and failure to register a drone can result in a 30 year prison term.
  2. Do not fly within 10 kilometers (6 miles) of airports or helipads.
  3. Do not fly drones higher that 400 feet vertically.
  4. Visual line of sight must be maintained with drones.
  5. Drone insurance is required.
  6. Drones may only be operated at night with a special permit from the GCAA.
  7. Drones may not fly in restricted areas.
  8. Goods may not be dropped or transported via drone without prior special authorization.
  9. Drone operator must be at least 18 years of age.
  10. Flight into icy conditions is prohibited.
  11. Drones may not be operated in congested areas of cities, towns, or settlements. Additionally drones may not be flown over crowds.
  12. Drones may not fly within a 30 meter (98 feet) radius of buildings or vehicles without prior express permission.