Plan
Drone rules: Ghana
Last checked: October 5, 2026
Allowed with conditions
Flying is allowed, but with conditions you need to know before you travel.
Every drone must be registered with the GCAA, also for recreational flights; the German registration does not apply there. Instead of standard registration, visitors can use the temporary recreational use (Temporal Use) if the drone stays in the country for no more than one year.
Commercial operators must prove third-party liability insurance to the GCAA for their operating certificate; for purely recreational flights the directives state no explicit requirement. Check with the GCAA in advance whether it requires proof of insurance for your application.
For tourists
Registration or temporary approval is currently only possible in person at the GCAA office at Kotoka Airport in Accra; beforehand you complete a computer-based safety course, and the GCAA checks the drone in an inspection. In addition there is an import clearance application; allow time before the first flight and clarify details with the GCAA by email in advance.
Further rules
- In Ghana, every drone must be registered with the aviation authority GCAA – in person at Kotoka Airport. A computer-based safety course and an inspection of the drone by the GCAA are required. The weight classes range from “Small” (up to 1.5 kilograms) through “Light” (1.5 to 7 kilograms) to “Large” (over 7 kilograms).
- Commercial operators must prove at least third-party liability insurance for their operating certificate (ROC); for private recreational use the GCAA directives state no explicit insurance requirement.
- The maximum height is 400 feet (about 122 metres) above ground, flying only within line of sight. Together with the registration the GCAA issues an approval letter that must be renewed annually; visitors get a temporary approval.
- Restricted zones apply within 10 kilometres of airports with instrument approach procedures and 5 kilometres of other aerodromes; keep 30 metres from other people, vehicles and buildings. Night flights need a special GCAA permit. For importing the drone the GCAA also requires an import clearance application.
- Since registration is only possible in person on site and takes some time, Ghana is rather impractical for very short stays, but feasible for longer trips with a little preparation.
Sources
This overview is not legal advice and not an official statement — laws change, and we cannot guarantee that every entry is fully up to date. Before your flight, please also check the official source or the local civil aviation authority.