During the CEOs’ Breakfast Meeting, held at the Labadi Beach Hotel on September 24, 2024, Honourable Dr. Prince Hamid Armah, the Deputy Minister for Works and Housing, delivered a keynote address that reinforced the critical role of engineering in driving Ghana’s national development. His speech was a call to action for all stakeholders to recognize the transformative power of engineering and invest in its future.

Dr. Armah’s address focused on one central theme: engineering excellence is essential for national development. He pointed out that quality engineering practices are the backbone of infrastructure growth, economic progress, and the development of sustainable, innovative solutions to the challenges Ghana faces. “Engineering is the foundation of progress,” he stated, urging everyone in the room to recognize the sector’s role in shaping the future.

While Dr. Armah celebrated the country’s progress in producing over 2,000 engineering graduates annually, he raised an important question: Is Ghana’s environment set up to help these young engineers thrive? He observed that many graduates face challenges in securing the opportunities they need to grow and contribute effectively to the nation’s development. This was a pivotal point in his speech, calling for a supportive ecosystem that not only educates but nurtures the professional growth of engineers.

The Deputy Minister also emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the government, private industry, and academia. He called for greater investment in engineering education and research, ensuring that Ghana’s engineers are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to address the country’s unique challenges.

Dr. Armah also acknowledged recent infrastructure failures, which highlighted the importance of regulatory oversight and quality control. He stressed the importance of a strong regulatory body like the Engineering Council to ensure that engineering practices in Ghana meet the highest standards. This was not just about preventing failures but also about setting a new benchmark for engineering excellence.

In closing, Dr. Armah’s speech was a powerful reminder that engineering is more than just a profession; it is a key driver of progress. His message was clear: to achieve national development, Ghana must prioritize engineering excellence and build a collaborative, innovative environment that empowers engineers to lead the way.