African Engineers Urged to Prioritize Independence and Innovation

Accra, Ghana - Speaking at the 54th Annual General Meeting and 2024 Conference of the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) in Accra, Sam Okudzeto, a member of the Council of State, delivered a compelling message urging African engineering practitioners to uphold independence and innovation in their professional endeavors.

Mr. Okudzeto emphasized the importance of engineers maintaining autonomy in their work, urging them not to yield to external pressures from politicians or societal influences. He stressed that engineers play a critical role in ensuring that the right procedures are followed in line with the principles of their profession.

Addressing the gathering under the theme "Engineering a resilient future: Innovative solutions for a sustainable Ghana," Mr. Okudzeto proposed an exchange program for GhIE members to visit Dubai and Qatar. He cited these countries as examples of nations overcoming geographical challenges through innovative infrastructure solutions despite being predominantly desert regions.

Highlighting the potential benefits of international collaboration, Mr. Okudzeto encouraged engineers to engage with their counterparts globally, underscoring the role of shared knowledge in advancing not only Ghana but also Africa and the wider world.

Mustafa Shehu, the President of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO), commended GhIE for its active participation in the federation. He emphasized the necessity of capacity development among African engineering practitioners for the successful realization of initiatives like the African Union Agenda 2063.

In response, Ing. Kwabena Bempong, President of GhIE, emphasized the pivotal role of resilient infrastructure in driving development. He called on engineers to contribute actively to designing and implementing infrastructure solutions that withstand the challenges of the modern world.

The conference served as a platform for reflection and dialogue, with attendees exchanging ideas on how engineering can contribute to building a sustainable and prosperous future for Ghana and beyond. As Africa looks towards ambitious development goals, the call for independence, innovation, and collaboration among engineering practitioners remains ever more pertinent.