The Engineering Council of Ghana has urged the establishment of a robust regulatory framework to enhance engineering standards across the country.
The appeal was made by the Registrar of the Council, Ing Isaac Bedu, during the second edition of the CEOs’ Breakfast Meeting in Accra on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, where key stakeholders in the engineering and construction sectors gathered to discuss the vital role of engineering in national development.
“Engineering is fundamental to our national development, yet we often only recognize its importance especially when a building collapses or infrastructural failures,” he stated, adding “It is crucial that we proactively establish regulations that govern the engineering profession, safeguarding public safety and promoting excellence.”
He pointed out that while the Council has made strides in promoting professional standards, more needed to be done to engage private sector leaders and ensure compliance with established regulations.
“Many in the private sector may not be fully aware of the existing regulations governing engineering practice in Ghana.
“Our objective today is to bridge that knowledge gap and foster partnerships that can drive innovation and accountability,” he added.
The Registrar emphasised that collaboration is vital for advancing engineering education, research and innovation.
“We must work together to adopt cutting-edge technologies and sustainable solutions tailored to our national context. This is essential for addressing the pressing challenges our country faces,” he urged.
The meeting, themed “Engineering Excellence for National Development: A Collective Responsibility,” highlighted the collaborative effort required from both the government and private sectors to achieve engineering excellence.
In his address, the Deputy Minister for Works and Housing, Dr. Prince Hamid Armah, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the pivotal role of engineering in driving innovation and economic growth.
“We produce over 2,000 engineering graduates annually, yet we must ask ourselves: Are we creating an environment where these professionals can excel?” he queried.
Dr. Armah highlighted the impressive number of engineering graduates produced each year, noting that over 2,000 students graduate from KNUST alone.
However, he raised concerns about whether the current environment allows these graduates to excel and contribute effectively to national development.
“The Engineering Council was established to ensure that engineering practice in Ghana meets the highest standards,” he emphasised.
The gathering served as a platform for discussions on key objectives aimed at improving engineering practices in Ghana.
