The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, in collaboration with the security agencies, is working to enhance the enforcement of drone directives in the country.
This is to ensure that Ghana’s aerospace is efficiently controlled and kept safe.
The Director-General of the GCAA, Charles Kraikue, said at the stakeholders’ breakfast meeting held last Thursday that that had become necessary because while there were rules controlling the flying of drones, they were often overlooked.
“There are rules that control the flying of drones, but these directives are often overlooked by drone operators, a route that needs to be cut short,” he said.
“We are in continuous engagement with the National Security and relevant agencies to enforce the directives on drones. This includes the involvement of the police and the Ghana Air Force in enforcement actions.
“Drones and aircraft fly in the same airspace and if that space is not regulated, it will pose a risk. Additionally, drones use technology, just as aircraft, and so if the airspace is not regulated, it may result in unpleasant stories,” he explained.
Some of the directives that control drone flying are the need for the flyer to be licensed by the GCAA, that the drones should not be flown within 10 kilometres (six miles) of airports or helipads, drone insurance is required, drones do not fly in restricted areas, among others.
The seminar, on the theme: “Maintaining a healthy partnership with our stakeholders: Key for aviation growth”, was organised by the GCAA purposely to brainstorm with industry players on how to make the sector better.
Some of the topics discussed were partnership benefits, collaborations and teamwork in the face of adversities and the pandemic.
It brought together representatives from the security services, logistics firms, airline operators and aviation enthusiasts.
New technologies
Mr Kraikue further disclosed that the GCAA was working on new technologies that would be drone friendly.
“The drone is also a technology that is useful, so we cannot completely do away with it. We are working on something new which will integrate the use of drones in our airspace, both commercial and non-commercial,” he noted.
Apart from the enforcement and additions, he said, education on safe drone operations would also be intensified.
Source: myghanadaily
