Unregistered drone users now face up to 30 years in jail

folarin okunola

July 8, 2016 4:12 PM

According to the GCAA, the new policy is imperative so as to prevent "accidents in the Ghanaian airspace".

Xiaomi Mi drone

Ghana seems to be following the path of the Nigerian Aviation authority in that it has also decided to start 'regulating' the use of drones within its borders.

On the surface, this may seem like harmless, proactive action, but there is so much more to the new legislation.

Ghana's Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has issued directives on drone directives and ownership and under those directives, operating an unregistered drone (or "Remotely Piloted Aircraft System" as the GCAA is calling it) can get you "up to 30 years" in jail.

To use a drone in Ghana, you will also need to get a license and the GCAA has already kicked off registration of all drones in the country.

ALSO READ: Aviation body bans use of drone without license

According to the GCAA, the new policy is imperative so as to prevent "accidents in the Ghanaian airspace". “There are several enforcement actions including withdrawal of permit to fly the drone,” Simon Allotey, GCAA director general, said in a radio interview, according to QZ. “You could be convicted up to a 30 year jail term.”

This is a very strange trend going on amongst African nations. For some reason, all these agencies are unable to see the great advantages that drone use could offer. This will only stifle creativity and then later, they will try to play catch up, again.

Nigeria and Kenya have already imposed strict drone regulations as well. In Nigeria, the entire registration and licensing process can cost you as much as $4,000, compared to the US where it costs just $5. Absolutely ridiculous.

folarin okunola