On September 24, 2024, the Engineering Council Ghana hosted the highly anticipated second edition of its CEOs’ Breakfast Meeting, Private Sector Edition, at the Labadi Beach Hotel. This exclusive event brought together a distinguished group of industry leaders, government representatives, and key stakeholders from the engineering and construction sectors to discuss the pivotal role of engineering excellence in driving national development.

The meeting’s discussions were centered around advancing engineering practices, enhancing the regulatory framework, and fostering innovation to tackle the sector’s challenges. The event featured prominent speakers, including Hon. Dr. Prince Hamid Armah, Deputy Minister for Works and Housing, Ing. Isaac Bedu, the Registrar of the Engineering Council, and Ing. Dr. Kwame A. Boakye, Board Chairman of the Engineering Council. Each of these leaders shared valuable insights into the future of engineering in Ghana and the steps needed to ensure that the profession contributes meaningfully to the country’s development.

The Role of Regulation in Engineering Excellence

Ing. Isaac Bedu, the Registrar of the Engineering Council, kicked off the event with a presentation that focused on the importance of regulatory oversight in engineering. He emphasized that the true value of engineering is often realized only in times of crisis, such as infrastructure failures. To avoid such situations, he stressed the need for proactive regulation that ensures engineering practices meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and sustainability. Bedu also highlighted the importance of engaging the private sector and academia to build a more informed and collaborative environment in which engineering professionals can thrive.

A Vision for the Future of Engineering

Ing. Dr. Kwame A. Boakye, Board Chairman of the Engineering Council, shared his vision for the future of the Council and its efforts to regulate and enhance engineering standards across Ghana. He spoke about the Council’s progress in registering over 4,500 engineering professionals and developing a comprehensive Code of Ethics. However, he also acknowledged the challenges ahead, such as limited funding and the need for greater public awareness. Dr. Boakye called for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to strengthen the regulatory environment and promote innovation within the industry.

Engineering as a Catalyst for National Development

The event’s keynote address was delivered by Hon. Dr. Prince Hamid Armah, Deputy Minister for Works and Housing. His speech centered on the critical role of engineering in driving national development. He emphasized that quality engineering is essential for infrastructure growth, economic progress, and the creation of sustainable solutions to address Ghana’s unique challenges. Dr. Armah also raised important questions about whether Ghana’s environment is conducive for engineering graduates to fully thrive. He urged greater collaboration between the government, private industry, and educational institutions to foster an environment where engineers can contribute to national development effectively.

A Call for Action and Collaboration

Throughout the event, the need for greater collaboration among government, industry, and academia was a recurring theme. As Dr. Armah pointed out, engineering excellence requires a collective effort from all sectors to create a thriving ecosystem where innovation, education, and regulation can work hand-in-hand.

In his closing remarks, both Dr. Armah and Ing. Bedu called on the private sector to support the mission of the Engineering Council by adhering to professional standards, investing in engineering education, and collaborating with the Council to ensure a robust regulatory framework.

Looking Ahead

The CEOs’ Breakfast Meeting highlighted the immense potential of the engineering sector to drive national development. However, the event also underscored the need for continued collaboration, investment, and regulation to overcome the challenges facing the profession. Moving forward, the Engineering Council will focus on raising public awareness, engaging with the private sector, and promoting the adoption of innovative engineering solutions that are tailored to Ghana’s development needs.

This gathering of leaders marked a significant step forward in fostering a more regulated, innovative, and sustainable engineering sector in Ghana—one that will undoubtedly play a central role in shaping the country’s future.