Artificial intelligence (AI) offers Ghana a significant opportunity to modernise its transportation infrastructure. This technology can provide a shortcut, allowing the nation to bypass decades of traditional infrastructure development seen in more developed countries. AI applications can optimise traffic flow, predict road degradation, and significantly improve Ghana's vital ‘trotro' informal minibus system.
Ghana has faced constraints in its infrastructure development due to high software licensing costs and analytical tools not suited for local conditions. AI-assisted development now enables engineers to create custom tools tailored for Ghana's unique environment. This approach reduces costs considerably, making advanced solutions accessible.
This situation mirrors Ghana's success with mobile money, which provided banking services to millions without extensive physical branch infrastructure. Mobile financial services are now deeply integrated into daily life, demonstrating Ghana's capacity for technological leapfrogging. AI presents a similar chance for the transportation sector, by utilising data from smartphone GPS, satellite imagery, and affordable Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices. This data helps model freight demand and predict road conditions, costing far less than traditional data collection methods.
Yaa Amanua Osafo, a professional engineer with extensive experience in transportation, highlights this potential. She stated that AI does not replace engineering responsibility but expands the capacity to fulfill it. Ms. Osafo emphasised that countries benefiting most will not necessarily be those with large budgets, but those whose engineers confidently build solutions for their own realities.
Looking ahead, decision-makers must focus on collecting the right data and fostering an innovative mindset. Immediate applications include AI-powered pothole detection systems that use smartphone motion data to prioritise road maintenance more effectively. Machine learning models can also forecast traffic congestion along key corridors like Accra's N1, considering traffic volumes, weather, and event patterns. For example, the ‘trotro’ network, which moves hundreds of thousands daily, can benefit from AI by mapping routes and predicting demand. This can lead to real-time passenger apps, reducing uncertainty for commuters and improving efficiency within the informal public transport system.
By investing in AI solutions, Ghana can overcome long-standing transportation challenges. This strategic adoption of technology supports national growth and creates a more efficient and responsive infrastructure. The shift is not just technological but also redefines innovation as something created locally, rather than merely imported. This empowers engineers to build future-ready solutions tailored to Ghana's specific needs and conditions.