The Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) inducted 194 Professional Engineers and urged them to uphold high standards to help address the country’s infrastructure challenges.

The induction ceremonies were held in two sessions at the Engineering Centre at Roman Ridge in Accra, with 103 engineers inducted in the morning and 91 in the afternoon.

The Chairman of the Membership Committee, Dr Michael Ankamah Bekoe, said 188 candidates qualified through the standard professional examinations, while four were admitted through the confirmation hearing route based on their experience.

He explained that the new engineers included 77 Civil Engineers, 43 Mechanical, Agricultural and Marine Engineers, 26 Chemical and Mining Engineers, and 46 Electrical and Electronic Engineers.

Two additional candidates from previous cohorts brought the total to 194.

Dr Bekoe said the numbers reflected steady growth in the engineering profession and the need to strengthen technical capacity across sectors.

He said the institution remained committed to maintaining rigorous standards in assessing professionals.

“We ensured that all candidates met the required benchmarks before induction to protect the integrity of the profession,” he said.

Collapse concerns

The President of GhIE, Ludwig Annang Hesse, expressed concern about the recent building collapse at Accra New Town and extended condolences to affected families.

He said the incident pointed to failures in enforcing building regulations and professional standards.

Mr Hesse questioned whether proper procedures were followed in the design, permitting, construction and supervision of the structure. 

“The loss of lives could have been prevented if standards had been followed at every stage,” he said.

He called for accountability and urged authorities to strengthen enforcement mechanisms within the construction sector.

Mr Hesse also asked the government to include structural audits in its national reset agenda, especially for abandoned and ageing buildings.

He said such structures posed risks to public safety if left unchecked.

“We must identify weak structures early and take corrective action to avoid further incidents,” he said.

The Executive Director of GhIE, Dr Mrs Enyonam Kpekpena, encouraged the engineers to take part in the institution’s activities and invest in continuous learning.

Administering the oath of induction, Mr Hesse reminded the engineers of their duty to society.

He said the profession required competence, responsibility and commitment to public safety at all times.

“You have a duty to ensure that every project you undertake meets the required standards and protects lives,” he said.

Continuous development

The Executive Director of GhIE, Dr Mrs Enyonam Kpekpena, encouraged the engineers to take part in the institution’s activities and invest in continuous learning.

She said professional growth depended on active participation and regular upgrading of skills.

“Your development does not end here, and you must continue to build your knowledge to remain relevant,” she said.