The Ghana Institution of Surveyors is proposing the adoption of smart technologies such as geographic information systems and artificial intelligence to help prevent disasters such as the devastation caused by the Akosombo Dam spillage.
The institution believes the adoption of these technologies will enable the country and acquire precise insights for planning and decision-making to prevent future disasters.
Speaking on the theme “Leveraging Smart Technologies and Ethics for Sustainable Land Management and Infrastructural Development” at the 19th edition of the Surveyors Week and 55th annual general meeting, president of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors, Daud Sulemana Mahama, highlighted the need to explore technological tools to help prevent and fight disasters such as the perennial flood problems in the coastal belts and the Volta Basin.
“GIS is crucial for optimizing land management and infrastructural development. By integrating spatial data, GIS helps analyze land patterns, identify optimal locations for infrastructure projects, and streamline decision-making processes.
“It facilitates efficient resource allocation, minimizes environmental impact, and enhances overall urban planning. By adopting these technologies and investing massively in them, Ghana can solve its perennial flood problems in the coastal belts and the Volta Basin.
“The devasting effect of some of these disasters, like was recently experienced in the Lower Volta Basin, which destroyed a lot of properties and caused displacement of thousands of people, can be curtailed.”
He also underscored the place of artificial intelligence in enhancing global spatial systems to improve efficiency in future and land
“Similarly, artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionize land management and infrastructural development by automating processes, predicting trends, and optimizing decision-making. Machine learning algorithms can analyze vast datasets to identify optimal locations for development, assess environmental impact, and predict future land use patterns. Al-driven tools also enable real-time monitoring, improving the efficiency of infrastructure projects and contributing to sustainable development through data-driven insights.”
The controlled spillage of the Akosombo Dam began on September 15, 2023, and left in its wake several casualties, including the displacement of thousands of persons and the destruction of farmlands and properties in affected communities.
Some stakeholders have since raised concerns and accused authorities of failing to do due diligence before the spillage. The Volta River Authority (VRA), however, insists that all communities in the lower Volta Basin were adequately informed and educated on the need to move to higher ground prior to the spillage.
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