A 3-day capacity-building programme on Drone Competence Development Academy has been launched at Mpehuasem Campus in Accra on Wednesday.
Organised by the Accra Technical University (ATU) in collaboration with the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Korea Transportation Safety Authority (TS), the initiative was introduced to strengthen Ghana’s growing drone ecosystem.
The Acting Deputy Director-General of the GCAA, Mr Theophilus Ago said that it would continue to provide trainees with a “comprehensive understanding of drone operations, safety protocols, legal considerations, and the practical skills necessary to operate drones effectively and responsibly.”
The Acting Vice Chancellor of ATU, Professor Amevi Acakpovi in his address commended A-Tech Group Korea for collaborating with the University and immense support to establish the ATU Drone Centre in 2018.
“ATU trains its students how to apply emerging technologies in their fields of study with it emerging technologies. We have no choice than to learn them, teach them and apply them otherwise we will be left behind by other countries in job creation, employment and development” he explained.
Mr Acapkovi stated that drones were great innovation and an excellent way to engage and attract the interest of young people and children at an early age.
Mr Cho Ju Yong of the Korean Agency responsible for safety across aviation, railways, and road transport systems said the training session was designed to also boost and equip participants with practical skills and knowledge in drone technology with emphasis on pilot licensing and regulations, safety protocols and legal frameworks , and real-world applications across key sectors.
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 Cheol Soo Lee, Chief Executive Officer 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.
The Academy concluded with a live drone demonstration at ATU’s Mpehuasem Campus, featuring advanced applications such as crop spraying and logistics delivery — showcasing the potential of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to revolutionise key sectors of the economy.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
