In Ghana, drones are classified into three categories.:Small RPAS: Up to a take-off weight of 1.5 kilogramsLight RPAS: With a take-off weight of more than 1.5 kilograms and up to max. 7 kilogramsLarge RPAS: All drones weighing more than 7 kilogramsThe following are the most critical rules to follow:The GCAA requires that all drones be registered. The base registration fee is about $20 per drone; fees for the highest commercial categories can reach $4,000. Flying an unregistered drone is a criminal offence with a statutory maximum penalty of up to 30 years in prison (a 2016 maximum, presented here as the upper bound, not typical enforcement). Pilots for commercial RPAS operations, pilots of large RPAS, and pilots of RPAS with Type Certificate are required to obtain a Remote Pilot Licence (see below for licensing procedure).Avoid flying within a ten-kilometer (six-mile) radius of airports or helipads.Never fly drones above 400 feet vertically. Dronesmust maintain a visual line of sight. Insurance for drones is required. Drones may be operated at nightonly with the approval of the GCAA. Drones are not permitted to fly in restricted areas. Without special authorization, no goods may be dropped or transported via drone. Operators of dronesmust be at least 18 years old. It is prohibited to fly in icy conditions. Drones cannot be operated in congested urban, suburban, or rural areas. Additionally, drones are not permitted to fly over crowds. Without prior express permission, drones may not fly within a 30-meter (98-foot) radius of buildings or vehicles.Pilot LicensingApply to the Director-General, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, KIA, Accra, Ghana, using Application Form R28-AF-008. In addition, if the purpose of the license is for commercial use (other than recreational purposes), youmust attach a Cover Letter on company letterhead to the form introducing the applicant for the license. Address your letter to the Director-General (Attention: Director, Safety Regulation), Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, KIA, Accra, Ghana. An accountable executivemust sign the letter.The applicant will undergo the application approval process as per Checklist R28-CL-005.Youmust pay the appropriate charges depending on the weightcategory of the drones you operate. You can go to the linked page for full details on charges, which shows the Scheme of Charges.The applicant may be issued or denied the RPAS Pilot or RPAS Pilot Instructor License at the end of the approval process.The approval is valid per the relevant conditions stated in GCAD Part 28 unless otherwise revoked, suspended, or amended.The License will be printed on GCAA security sheets.Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in GhanaYou are allowed to fly a small or light RPAS (defined above) with the written approval of the Authority. The procedure to receive approval is as follows:Apply using Application Form R28-AF-003. If the purpose of the RPAS is for private purposes, a Cover Letter on company letterheadmust be attached to the form indicating the purpose of the RPAS. Address your letter to the Director-General (Attention: Director, Safety Regulation), Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, KIA, Accra, Ghana. Ensure that an accountable executive signs your letter.The assigned GCAA personnel(s) will inspect the UAV and register it after successful inspection using Checklist R28-CL-001.The registration number is generated sequentially, but an applicant may request a special one.Youmust pay the appropriate charges depending on the weightcategory of the drones you operate. You can go to the linked page for full details on charges, which shows the Scheme of Charges.The Authority will then issue a Letter of Approval. The Approval shall be printed on GCAA Security Sheet.The approval is valid for one year from the issue date unless otherwise revoked, suspended, or amended.Additionalnotes for foreign operatorsYou are not allowed to import an RPAS without the written approval of the Authority.