By Jones Anlimah
Staff of the Ghana Highways Authority have undergone an intensive capacity-building seminar on data collection, analysis, and it’s application to enhance their operations in road management and maintenance.
The seminar, themed “Data-driven Decision Making for Road Maintenance and Improvement Process,” equipped participants with the necessary skills to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of road maintenance across the country.
The seminar brought together experts in data analysis and road management to provide in-depth training on the latest techniques and tools for data collection. Participants learned how to collect, analyze and apply data to make informed decisions that will enhance the quality and durability of Ghana’s road infrastructure.
It also emphasized the importance of leveraging data to identify critical areas needing maintenance, optimize resource allocation, and prioritize projects that will have the most significant impact on road safety and longevity.
Topics treated included data collection and management, condition assessment and performance metrics, predictive modeling and forecasting, asset management and optimization and case studies and success stories.
The Volta regional Acting Director of the Ghana Highways Authority, Engineer Faustina Oppong Yeboah, said by integrating data-driven approaches, the Ghana Highways Authority aims to streamline its operations and ensure that maintenance efforts are both cost-effective and impactful.
The Deputy Chief Executive in charge of maintenance and the Director of Road Maintenance at the Ghana Highways Authority, Engineer Lawrence lamptey, said over 95 percent of movement of people and goods are undertaken on roads and underscored the critical role well maintained roads infrastructure play in national development. “Data driven decision making empowers us to optimize resource allocation, we can prioritize maintenance activities where they are needed to finance predictive maintenance through predictive analysis. we can foresee potential issues before they become critical, allowing for timely intervention that sustains the life span of our roads.”, he said
According to Engineer Lamptey the adoption and use of advanced technology to improve road infrastructure in an innovative and sustainable manner will enhance road network durability and efficiency. “participants will engage experts, explore cutting edge technologies and participate in practical sessions that will enhance their ability to leverage data in their daily operations.”, Engineer Lamptey noted.
The Volta regional minister Dr. Archibald Letsa, said effective road maintenance is crucial for safety, economic growth, and quality of life. he However noted that increased demands and limited resources, staff of the authority must adopt innovative approaches to optimize their decision-making processes.
He was hopeful that the seminar will equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed, data-driven decisions which is scientifically based to shape the future of road maintenance and improvement. “It is very important that we maintain our roads. We have a poor culture of maintenance but I know that the Ghana Highways Authority has the capacity to keep all our roads in shape. The capacity is there, what is limiting you may be resources.”, he added.
As Ghana continues to develop its infrastructure, such capacity-building initiatives are expected to play a vital role in ensuring that the country’s road network remains safe, reliable, and efficient. The Ghana Highways Authority has therefore made the seminar an annual event to keep their staff updated on the latest trends and best practices in road management and maintenance.
