Ghana can use drone technology to fight crime in areas like Kasoa, ‘galamsey’ and more – Dr Thomas Mensah

Mechanical Engineer and inventor, Dr. Thomas O. Mensah has suggested the implementation of drone technology in combating crime in Ghana.

According to the engineer, now famed for his contribution towards the commercialisation of fibre optics, he and his team have conceptualised drones that can be used in key areas such as security, precision agriculture, mining for minerals, and delivery of healthcare in Ghana.

Specifically on security, he told Ameyaw TV: “We can use drone technology for security. We have this technology where the drones can be put in a van, and when a crime is detected somewhere, the drone can come out of the back of the van to chase after the culprits. So for instance, all the arm robbery cases in Kasoa can be curbed with such a drone. The drone can help catch the thieves. Even with ‘galamsey’, we can use the drone to check the people doing the illegal mining.”

He added; “We have to develop the habit of using drones in Ghana. I have a drone with a spectrometer inside it, that can be used to check the ground for minerals in 3D imaging. I’m using that drone in some other countries so I’ll bring it.”

Dr Mensah who contributed immensely to the development of laser-guided missiles for the US military is an expert in fibre optics and nano technology.

Drones are becoming commonplace in both the commercial and non-profits sectors around the world. Also known as unmanned aircrafts, drones in the near future will become even more widespread.

Here are some of the many ways unmanned aircraft can revolutionize how we get things done. It’s easy to see why drone degree programs, like Cal U’s two-year associate’s degree are more relevant than ever.

• Agriculture:The Environmental Protection Agency already utilizes drones technology to manage livestock and survey crops. In the future farmers and ranchers could use unmanned aircraft to strategically monitor and spray their crops.
• Conservation: Unmanned aircraft are being used to monitor endangered species and map the changes in various ecosystems around the globe. As drone technology advances, the use and impact of unmanned aircraft in conservation efforts will expand.
• Delivery/fulfillment:Anything the postman can carry can also be delivered by drone. Food, prescriptions, that last-minute birthday gift for your dad—in the near future, there will be big changes in the way packages arrive to our doors.
• Disaster mitigation and relief: Drones can go places that humans can’t access, so they are an ideal solution for dangerous search and rescue efforts, as well as for delivering emergency supplies to remote locations and disaster areas.
• Logistics:Heavy-duty drones can replace trucks for inventory management and moving goods between warehouses. This is likely to decrease the number of semis you see on the road.
• Filmmaking and photography:Low-budget filmmakers are already using drones to capture the aerial shots and Hollywood will soon be hiring full crews of drone Unmanned aircraft are also gaining ground with photojournalists who want to capture breaking news from above.
• ISPs: Big tech companies like Facebook and Google are experimenting with solar powered drone technology to beam Internet to remote locals. This could transform connectivity as we know it.
• Law enforcement: In Seattle and Miami, police forces have already applied for permits to use drones, and we’ll likely begin to see unmanned aircraft supplementing police presence at large public events.
• Real Estate:Real Estate listings are poised to change completely with high-definition videos capture by drones that fly through neighborhoods, and into every room in a listed house.