Accra: Artificial Intelligence expert and Machine Learning Engineer, Dr Kwame Ardiabah, has called on the government to adopt a locally developed AI-powered road safety system to help curb the growing number of road accidents in Ghana.
According to Ghana Web, the Intelligent Collision and Safety Surveillance Detection (ICSSD) system is capable of detecting potential collisions before they occur and can automatically slow down or stop a vehicle to prevent crashes. Speaking in an interview on GhanaWeb TV's BizTech programme, Dr Ardiabah explained that the technology uses cameras, sensors, and artificial intelligence algorithms to monitor vehicles in real time and identify potential accident risks.
"When two vehicles are approaching each other, the system begins monitoring them from a distance. If it detects that one of the drivers is veering off course or is likely to cause an accident, it automatically reduces acceleration and can eventually bring the vehicle to a halt," he told Mawuli Ahorlumegah during the episode.
He also noted that the innovation was inspired by concerns over the high rate of road accidents and fatalities recorded in Ghana and across Africa, adding that technology can play a critical role in improving road safety outcomes. Dr Ardiabah also disclosed that the Ghana Police Service played a significant role in the development of the system by providing accident data spanning 14 years.
"When I was conducting the research, the Ghana Police were the only institution that provided me with up to 14 years of accident data. That information was crucial in helping us develop the system," he stated. According to him, the ICSSD technology has the potential to significantly reduce road crashes if deployed in commercial vehicles, private cars, and security service fleets across the country.
He therefore urged policymakers, transport operators, and industry stakeholders to explore the adoption of AI-powered road safety technologies as part of broader efforts to improve transportation safety, reduce fatalities, and save lives. Dr Ardiabah maintained that supporting homegrown innovations such as the ICSSD system would not only enhance road safety but also promote local technological development and position Ghana as a leader in AI-driven solutions on the continent.