Drone Surveillance Over EOCO Draws 30-Year Jail Warning
Dr. Ishmael Norman warns unauthorized drone surveillance near Accra’s Economic and Organized Crime Office risks 30 years imprisonment
A security consultant has warned that flying a drone over the Economic and Organized Crime Office in Accra without authorization could result in a 30-year jail term.
Dr. Ishmael Norman made the comments on JoyNews The Pulse following the arrest of three men who allegedly operated a drone near the EOCO headquarters for several minutes. He condemned the incident as a grave breach of national security and stressed that all restricted zones within security installations are strictly off limits.
‘Even permitted drones only operate within set limits, but flying over a security facility is absolutely prohibited,’ he said.
The consultant linked the act to speculative partisan motives, suggesting political actors may exploit such lapses for strategic advantage ahead of national elections.
He expressed particular concern that modern drones could carry listening devices capable of eavesdropping on sensitive government communications, an intrusion he described as nearly treasonous.
Law enforcement authorities are currently interrogating the detained individuals to verify authorization status and determine intent behind the aerial activity.
The three operated a DJI Mavic 3 Classic drone over restricted perimeter fencing before guards intervened. Dr. Norman emphasized that even basic perimeter breaches warrant stern legal consequences.
He called for impartial handling of the case to uphold the integrity of national security protocols regardless of political affiliations.
The incident has reignited public discussion on the regulation of unmanned aerial systems near sensitive installations across the country.
No official charges have been filed yet as investigations continue into the alleged security violation.
Manhyia South MP has also voluntarily presented himself to EOCO for related questioning following the drone episode.
