Bolgatanga Technical University wins GH₵20,000 for flood-monitoring system

Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) has emerged as the winner of the 2026 Women in Engineering (WinE) Affair, securing the top spot for developing an innovative smart emergency communication and flood-monitoring system. The university team outperformed representatives from 19 other tertiary institutions across the country to claim the prestigious title. For their achievement, the BTU team was awarded a commemorative trophy and a cash prize of GH₵20,000.

The winning innovation is designed to provide real-time detection and response capabilities during flooding events, which frequently impact various regions of Ghana. The system integrates flood-level sensors with Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and an automated alarm mechanism. When water levels reach a predetermined dangerous threshold, the device is programmed to automatically transmit alerts to both emergency services and individuals in the affected area, facilitating faster evacuation and rescue operations.

Following their success at the competition, the BTU engineering team expressed their intention to collaborate with local government authorities and disaster management agencies. Their goal is to deploy the technology in high-risk, flood-prone communities to enhance national emergency response infrastructure. By providing early warnings, the student-led project aims to significantly reduce the loss of life and property damage associated with seasonal flooding.