Korea Transportation Safety Authority partners with GCAA to Organise 3-day Drone Competence Training Programme

Korea Transportation Safety Authority partners with GCAA to Organise 3-day Drone Competence Training Programme

A three-day drone capacity-building programme, jointly organised by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Korea Transportation Safety Authority (TS), opened on Tuesday, 16 September 2025, at the GCAA headquarters in Accra.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Cho Ju Yong of the TS — the Korean agency responsible for safety across aviation, railways, and road transport systems — said his specific role was to develop policies and systems that ensure drone safety.

He explained that the training session aimed to share knowledge on drone technology, covering pilot licensing, safety management, and practical applications.
Through this new technology, he stressed that “we can build a safer and more sustainable future together,” adding: “Drones are more than just products; they are powerful tools driving change in logistics, agriculture, environmental protection, and disaster response. But without safety, the full potential of drone technology can never be realised.”

Mr. Yong emphasised that the core of the programme was to explore frameworks for a robust pilot licensing system and safety management structures to verify and support the competence of drone operators. He noted that Korea had, over the past decade, gradually developed advanced drone regulations and safety systems.

 “We are here today to share our experience and the lessons learned along the way,” he said. “I am confident that you will become leading experts in Ghana, pioneering safe drone operations and establishing a strong safety culture. This training is not a one-way street; it is a collaborative platform where we will learn from each other. Your experiences and ideas are vital to making this programme meaningful.”

Highlighting the successful selection of TS and GCAA for a new Official Development Assistance (ODA) project, Mr. Yong explained that the initiative was structured in three phases:

• Track 1: Development of a comprehensive master plan for drone operations in Ghana (currently underway until April 2026).
• Track 2: Pilot projects to test the feasibility of the master plan.
• Track 3: Full implementation, including institutional reforms and the establishment of supporting systems.

He expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential, saying: “With the combined efforts of TS, GCAA, and all of you, I am confident we can successfully foster a new generation of drone professionals and build a robust safety management system here in Ghana.”

Also addressing the gathering, Mr. Cheol Soo Lee, CEO of A-TECH Group Korea, described the programme as evidence that the seeds sown by the Korean government in 2017 were now bearing fruit. He expressed gratitude to all stakeholders and participants, including Accra Technical University, for their commitment.

Mr. Lee added that the partnership would strengthen Ghana’s drone ecosystem and open doors for young professionals to assume key roles in the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) industry.

On behalf of the GCAA RPAS Committee under the Safety Regulation Department, Mr. Jacob Tetteh Lartey, who is the Deputy RPAS Coordinator, underscored the critical role of TS in developing Ghana’s drone safety architecture. He recalled a similar training programme held in Korea in May 2025, which had significantly benefited Ghana. He noted that TS was now extending such programmes abroad, with Ghana being the first country to benefit.

The RPAS Committee clarified that the initiative was not intended to impose Korean drone technology on Ghana but to share insights and expose regulators, industry partners, and operators to Korean expertise.

Mr. Lartey further stressed the importance of embracing drone technology as part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, urging Ghana and other African countries not to miss out, as had happened with earlier industrial revolutions.
“Let us grab this opportunity by investing in and dedicating time to capacity building in the drone industry, which is driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution. That way, we will go far,” he said.

Declaring the session open, GCAA’s Acting Deputy Director-General (Technical), Mr. Theophilus Ago, reiterated that the training aims to “enhance our knowledge and skills in drone technology, which is rapidly transforming industries such as agriculture, surveillance, logistics, and environmental monitoring.”

Mr. Ago observed that it would provide trainees with a “comprehensive understanding of drone operations, safety protocols, legal considerations, and the practical skills necessary to operate drones effectively and responsibly.”

He added that as drones become more integral to various sectors, “developing our capabilities in this field will open new opportunities for innovation and growth.”

Mr. Ago, therefore, encouraged everyone to actively participate in the training, ask questions, and share their experiences, urging: “Together, let’s seize this opportunity to strengthen our skills and contribute to building a smarter and more efficient future.”