Three individuals were recently arrested in Ghana for flying drones over the headquarters of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). This incident has prompted a warning from lawyer Samson Lardy Anyenini, who emphasized that owning a drone does not grant unrestricted permission to fly it anywhere. Anyenini, host of Joy News' Newsfile, shared his insights through a Facebook post under his The Law 101 series.
According to Anyenini, drone operations in Ghana are tightly regulated under the Ghana Civil Aviation Act, 2024 (Act 1120), and the Ghana Civil Aviation (RPAS) Directives, 2018, Part 28. He explained that drone operation, legally referred to as a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), requires prior approval from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). This approval is necessary for importing, exporting, selling, or operating a drone or its parts.
Anyenini stressed that registration of a drone with the GCAA is compulsory but does not automatically grant permission to fly. He quoted Part 28.7 of the RPAS Directives, stating that no person shall fly an RPAS without a permit issued by the GCAA. Additional conditions apply to commercial drone use, night flights, flights above 400 feet, and operations near airports, helipads, and restricted areas.
The lawyer's comments serve as a warning to drone hobbyists, photographers, surveyors, and businesses that casual drone use near government buildings, security installations, or sensitive sites could expose them to legal consequences. Even if the equipment was legally purchased, flying a drone in restricted areas can lead to legal repercussions.
Anyenini highlighted that breaches of drone regulations attract sanctions, although the exact penalties were not specified. He emphasized that the legal questions raised by the EOCO arrests go beyond simply asking why the drones were flown there. Investigators need to establish whether the drones were lawfully acquired, properly registered, and operated with the required flying permits.
The incident and Anyenini's warning underscore the importance of understanding and adhering to Ghana's drone regulations. Drone owners must ensure they obtain the necessary permits and follow the guidelines set by the GCAA to avoid legal consequences. The GCAA is responsible for regulating civil aviation in Ghana and ensuring that drone operations are conducted safely and within the law.
In conclusion, the arrest of the three individuals for flying drones over EOCO headquarters serves as a reminder of the strict regulations surrounding drone use in Ghana. Drone owners must exercise caution and obtain the necessary permits before flying to avoid facing legal consequences. The GCAA's regulations are in place to ensure safe and responsible drone operations in the country.
Key points
- Drone owners in Ghana must obtain permits from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority before flying.
- Flying drones over government buildings or restricted areas can lead to legal consequences.
- Breaches of drone regulations in Ghana attract sanctions, although exact penalties vary.
