Transportation Engineer and a member of the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), Yaa Amanua Osafo has highlighted the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform the country’s transportation system. 

She mentioned that while Ghana has long relied on external models, AI now provides the opportunity to develop locally relevant solutions through data and research.

She also explained that AI can help predict demand for shared transport, optimize routes, and analyze travel patterns to address congestion and improve mobility. 

By leveraging digital data collection, she emphasized that Ghana can unlock endless possibilities for smarter traffic management and more efficient urban transport systems.

Event

Ms Osafo was making a presentation at a high-level panel discussion organised by the GhIE in Accra last Thursday to explore opportunities in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve efficiency, speed and accuracy in engineering practice in the country. 

The event provided valuable insights into practical applications of AI in areas such as design optimization, project management, predictive maintenance and data-driven decision-making.

It also addressed challenges, opportunities and policy considerations relevant to the Ghanaian context.

It brought together leading engineers, industry experts, policymakers and technology practitioners to explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence in civil engineering practice, and its implications for the country’s infrastructure development.

She presented on the topic “AI in Transportation Engineering,” with emphasis on AI applications in traffic systems, mobility planning and transport optimization.

"I truly believe that Ghana actually has a huge opportunity to meet for some of these trials of transportation for a very long time and then use those to come and create their models for our transportation system. And that has worked for us, but it has been limited. And now we have the capacity and the balance with AI, through lots of research and come up with relevant parameters to improve mobility," she said.

"So some examples that come to mind are that for purpose and share taxis, AI can help us predict, demand, or optimize routes. AI can also help us analyze travel patterns," she stressed.

Other suggestions

Engineer and developer Aaron Boateng-Duah showcased how artificial intelligence can significantly improve project management and administrative efficiency in engineering. 

He presented on the topic “AI in Project Management and Administrative Efficiency,” highlighting AI’s role in automating tasks such as report writing, task tracking, budgeting and workflow management, allowing engineers to focus more on core technical work.

He introduced his AI-powered tool, MeetWork, which converts raw inputs into structured reports, centralizes project data, tracks deadlines, and enables real-time collaboration between engineers, teams, and clients. 

Boateng-Duah emphasized that the tool reduces errors, saves time, enhances accountability and improves overall project delivery, positioning AI as a practical solution for modern engineering challenges.

Transforming structural design

Engineer and PhD candidate at the University of Helsinki, Kwabena Atobra presented how artificial intelligence is reshaping structural design through advanced tools like Polaris, an AI-powered platform developed by his startup. 

He explained that Polaris integrates engineering best practices, simulation tools and data-driven analysis to deliver accurate, consistent results, while avoiding the limitations of traditional AI models. 

He mentioned that the platform enables engineers to design structures using natural language, run full finite element analysis, optimize designs, and generate documentation efficiently.

Atobra emphasized that AI can significantly improve productivity by enabling rapid prototyping, real-time data access, and automated design optimization. 

He added that such tools will enhance collaboration, reduce reliance on manual processes and introduce a more intelligent, connected approach to the built environment.

Better understanding

Chairman of the Civil Technical Division of the GhIE, Michael Obeng Konedu said the event aimed at helping engineers better understand and apply artificial intelligence in their professional work. 

He illustrated AI’s value using examples like Google Maps, noting how it simplifies navigation, planning, and decision-making. 

He emphasized that AI can enhance engineering by improving speed, analysis, prediction, and risk assessment, allowing professionals to evaluate multiple scenarios before executing projects.

However, he cautioned that AI is not infallible, as it relies on existing data and may produce errors. 

"We've been hearing artificial intelligence, artificial intelligence. We have some idea of it in terms of use of things like chat, GBT, Gemini and things, but we as professionals want to get to interact with it better and understand how we can improve the way we do our work. 

"So it's not just the everyday conversations we have with it, but how it can improve our professional output as engineers. So we brought these guys here because they work with AI," he said.

He concluded that combining AI with strong engineering judgment will lead to better, safer and more efficient outcomes.