AI can save Ghana millions by predicting pipeline failures and tracking illegal mining, protecting water infrastructure and rivers from damage, says Dr. Michael Abobor.

 March 31, 2025

Imagine a future where Ghana no longer struggles with broken pipelines wasting millions of cedis or rivers turning brown from illegal mining. That future, according to Dr. Michael Abobor, could become a reality with the power of artificial intelligence (AI).

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Speaking in an interview with The High Street Journal, Dr. Abobor explained that AI-powered solutions could save the country millions and protect its water bodies from destruction.

According to Dr. Michael Abobor, water companies in Ghana spend millions every year fixing broken pipelines. These frequent breakages not only result in huge financial losses but also lead to severe water shortages in many communities.

One of the biggest challenges, he noted, is the lack of a system that can detect and prevent pipeline failures before they occur. “The problem is that they don’t have proactive measures to detect failures before they happen,” he pointed out.

Instead of waiting for pipes to break and reacting after the damage is done, he suggested that AI could be used to anticipate and fix issues in advance. “If we use AI models to analyze pipe conditions, we can predict when they are about to break. This can save millions of cedis annually,” he explained.

He added that similar technology is already being used globally to maintain trains, buses, government vehicles, and even mining tractors, preventing unexpected failures and reducing maintenance costs.

Beyond water infrastructure, Dr. Abobor believes AI can also help fight one of Ghana’s biggest environmental threats, illegal mining, or galamsey. For years, illegal miners have polluted rivers with mercury and destroyed vast lands. But what if technology could track them down before the damage is done?

AI-powered surveillance systems, he explained, could analyze video footage and satellite images to detect illegal mining activities in real time. “AI can track changes in water color and land structures, alerting authorities when illegal mining activities begin,” he stated.

He further explained that AI-driven image recognition systems, such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), could scan water bodies to assess pollution levels and predict areas affected by illegal mining. “With this technology, we don’t have to wait until rivers turn completely brown before taking action. AI can spot early warning signs,” he added.

Around the world, AI is transforming industries, helping businesses save money and making governments more efficient. Dr. Abobor believes Ghana must not be left behind.

“AI is huge. It can help us in almost everything,” he emphasized.