Mr. Lawrence L. Lamptey, Deputy Chief Executive in charge of road maintenance at the Ghana Highways Authority (GHA), has urged road maintenance engineers to adopt innovative approaches to ensuring the longevity and safety of the country’s road networks.
Speaking at opening a five-day national annual refresher course for road maintenance engineers in Ho, Mr Lamptey emphasized the critical importance of effective road maintenance for enhancing road safety and supporting Ghana’s development goals.
“Good road networks are essential for socio-economic development. Therefore, road maintenance engineers must strive to develop sustainable ideas to improve our road maintenance systems,” Mr Lamptey stated.
The refresher course, “Data-Driven Decision Making for Road Maintenance and Improvement Process,” brought together over 50 participants across Ghana. It provided a platform for knowledge sharing and emphasized the role of data analysis in achieving optimal road maintenance practices.
Encouraging engineers to utilize such training opportunities, Mr Lamptey highlighted the importance of making scientifically informed decisions to shape the future of road maintenance in Ghana.
Resource Person Mr Mark Okyere underscored the need for regular maintenance to prolong the lifespan of roads and cautioned against overloading, which contributes significantly to road deterioration, particularly among heavy vehicle drivers.
Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, Volta Regional Minister, advised engineers to leverage modern technological advancements in road maintenance and to stay updated with evolving practices through continuous professional development.
The course covered topics such as Data Collection and Management, Condition Assessment, Asset Management, and Optimization, as well as case studies showcasing successful road maintenance strategies.
The call for innovation and strategic planning in road maintenance reflects ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure quality and enhance transportation efficiency across Ghana.
