AQUILA Ghana Visit: Partnerships Strengthened, Advanced Technologies Showcased

Gecric Asset Integrity Management Ltd. (GAIM) recently hosted the AQUILA Built Health team in Ghana as part of Phase 1 of the partnership rollout, bringing together technical experts, asset owners, industry stakeholders and government representatives to explore advanced technologies for infrastructure inspection, asset integrity and digital asset management.

The week-long programme combined technology demonstrations, technical assessments, knowledge sharing and stakeholder engagements, with a focus on transportation infrastructure, power generation, utilities, and oil & gas assets.

Demonstrating Advanced Inspection Capabilities

The programme commenced with an internal technical demonstration and knowledge-sharing session, providing the GAIM team with practical exposure to AQUILA's inspection technologies and their potential applications across different asset classes.

This was followed by a demonstration at the Teshie Pedestrian Underpass, where the teams explored the application of drone-enabled inspection and digital assessment technologies for transportation infrastructure. These technologies can support efficient visual assessment, documentation of asset conditions and the development of digital records for infrastructure management.

Adomi Bridge: Applying Technology to a Critical National Asset

A key highlight of the visit was the inspection campaign at the Adomi Bridge, one of Ghana's important transportation assets. The AQUILA and GAIM teams worked alongside relevant stakeholders to undertake visual inspections, drone-assisted assessments and non-destructive testing (NDT).

The exercise demonstrated how advanced inspection technologies can provide detailed information on asset condition while supporting early identification of defects, condition monitoring, maintenance planning and asset life extension. The combination of field inspection and digital technologies also provides opportunities for developing structured asset records to support more informed infrastructure management decisions.

Supporting Energy, Utilities and Industrial Infrastructure

The engagement also extended to Ghana's power generation, utility and oil & gas sectors, where the teams demonstrated and discussed technologies applicable to critical infrastructure.

Particular attention was given to utility mapping, which can help asset owners identify and map underground utilities and hidden infrastructure, improving planning, maintenance, excavation safety and infrastructure management.

The engagements also explored how advanced inspection and digital solutions can support asset condition assessment, operational reliability, safety, predictive maintenance and long-term asset integrity management across power and industrial facilities.

From Inspection to Data-Driven Asset Management

A key theme throughout the visit was the integration of advanced inspection technologies with digital asset management. AQUILA's capabilities provide opportunities to move beyond conventional, largely reactive inspection approaches towards more structured and data-driven asset management.

By combining technologies such as drone-based inspection, NDT, utility mapping, digital asset assessment and data management, asset owners can improve visibility of infrastructure condition, strengthen maintenance decision-making, prioritise interventions and optimise the lifecycle of critical assets.

Strengthening Partnerships and Industry Engagement

The technical activities were complemented by engagements with key clients, government institutions and industry stakeholders. These interactions provided opportunities to discuss practical infrastructure challenges, demonstrate technology applications and explore areas for future collaboration.

The programme culminated in a Dinner and Learn Engagement, bringing together representatives from industry, government institutions, development partners, the Embassy of Switzerland, the Swiss Chamber of Commerce, GAIM and AQUILA.

The evening provided a platform to present key findings from the week's demonstrations, exchange perspectives on technology adoption, and strengthen relationships between stakeholders working to improve Ghana's infrastructure and industrial asset management landscape.

Looking Ahead

The successful visit marks an important step in the Gecric Integrity–AQUILA partnership and provides a foundation for the next phase of collaboration.

GAIM appreciates the support and participation of all clients, stakeholders, partners and technical teams who contributed to the success of the programme. We look forward to building on these engagements and delivering innovative, technology-driven solutions that support safer, smarter and more resilient infrastructure across Ghana and the wider African region.