VRA’s Sophia Abena Tijani elected GHIE president-elect

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 this year's conference is “Urbanisation and Smart Cities: Engineering the Future.” It aims to discuss the role of engineering in national development for a better future in Ghana.

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

Sophia A. Tijani has over 22 years of experience in the energy sector. She has worked to ensure reliable electricity supply across Africa and the USA.

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

She advocates for capacity building in energy sectors by collaborating with organizations like WAPP and GIZ.

Tijani has held various leadership roles within GHIE, including Vice President and National Councillor. She also served on boards such as the Ghana Railway Development Authority.

She is a Fellow of GhIE and a Senior Member of IEEE. Additionally, she is 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.

Tijani is committed to STEM advocacy and professional ethics in engineering. Before becoming president-elect, she was vice president of GHIE.