VRA’s Sophia Abena Tijani elected GHIE president

Sophia Abena Tijani has been elected president of the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GHIE). She is the only female contestant and an electrical engineer at Volta River Authority (VRA).

In the election, she received 664 votes, which is 31.72 percent. This was nine votes more than her closest competitor, David Kwatia Nyante, who got 655 votes. Other candidates included Ing Michael Kwesi Levi Dedey with 470 votes, Ebenezer Kwesi Haizel with 256 votes, and Daniel K Bainson with 48 votes.

The elections took place during GHIE’s annual general meeting and conference. This event started on March 25 and will end on March 28, 2025. It includes a banquet dinner ceremony.

The theme for the 55th GHIE AGM is “Urbanisation and Smart Cities: Engineering the Future.” The conference aims to discuss engineering's role in national development for a better future in Ghana.

Ms. Tijani will succeed Kwabena Bempong as president. She will be the first female president from VRA.

Sophia A. Tijani has over 22 years of experience in electrical engineering. Her work has contributed to reliable electricity supply across Africa and the USA.

Her career includes roles at ECG, VRA, Deloitte, and Mott McDonald’s Inc. (USA). She has expertise in substation protection design, equipment maintenance, business planning, and contract management.

Tijani advocates for capacity building in the energy sector. She collaborates with organizations like WAPP, ECREE, GIZ, and AfD to enhance capabilities.

She has held various positions within GHIE including Vice President and National Councillor. Additionally, she served on boards such as the Ghana Railway Development Authority.

Tijani is a Fellow of GhIE and a Senior Member of IEEE. She is also a certified adult trainer and Renewable Energy Professional.

Currently, she manages Employee Relations & Reward Management at VRA. Her contributions to gender issues in energy have earned her several awards both locally and internationally.

With a strong commitment to STEM advocacy and professional ethics, Tijani drives impactful change in Ghana and beyond. Before her election as president-elect, she was vice president of GHIE.