A deep dive into the Ghana’s drone industry; from the Remote Pilot Licensing process, UAV training programs, operational paperwork and challenges, and the growing market for commercial drones in the country.
RPL Licensing Process in Ghana
Drone pilots must obtain a Remote Pilot Licence (RPL) issued by the the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) if they are to operate a drone commercially in Ghana. For private operations, individuals must apply for a permit from the GCAA. The RPL licensing process follows these major process:
- Training by an accreditated training school (theory and practical)
- Theory and Skills Test
- A licence issued after passing both
- Class 3 medical examination (before or certification)
Training Requirements and Institutions
RPL training is only through authorized institutes with their curricula tailored to meet the GCCA standards. Pilots must undergo training that covers these courses:
- Air law and aviation procedures
- Meteorology
- Drone navigation
- Radio telephony
- Flight performance and operations
At the moment only the University of Mines and Technology RPAS Training Organization has license to train drone pilots in Ghana
Operational Challenges in Ghana’s UAV Sector
Despite the growing opportunities in the drone space, it is without its own hurdles or challenges that include but are not only limited to:
- Regulatory requirements for new and existing operators
- Cost of operational compliance , licensing, registration, insurance
- Lack of awareness among end-users and potential drone service clients
Drone Market Space in Ghana
Ghana along with Rwanda were among the early adopters of Zipline and other drone technology. Hilda Yorm Dra – Zonyra, a drone pilot and drone instructor at University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) also reaffirmed the growing drone market in Ghana saying, ” The drone market space in Ghana keeps developing and we have lots of licensed drone pilots”. The demand for drone services is growing in:
- Agriculture: crop spraying, crop health analysis and smart farming
- Mining: mapping, aerial surveys, security
- Real estate & construction: aerial surveys, project monitoring
- Security and surveillance
- Logistics and humanitarian deliveries: e.g. Zipline
The Future of UAVs in Ghana
Ghana is positioned to be a leader in UAV innovation and regulation with the ongoing digitisation, government support, and regional drone hubs emerging in West Africa and investments in local manufacturing, public and private partnerships and investments in STEM education can further enhance the growth and future of UAVs in Ghana.
