The Chief Executive of the Volta River Authority (VRA), Ing. Edward E. Obeng-Kenzo, has called on engineers to take a leading role in driving Ghana’s industrial development, saying their expertise will be crucial to the success of the Government’s 24-Hour Economy policy.
He said engineers would be responsible for designing the factories, power systems, transport networks and digital infrastructure needed to build a stronger and more competitive industrial economy.
Speaking at the second Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), Professor Douglas Boateng Lecture Series in Accra, Ing. Obeng-Kenzo described the 24-Hour Economy as both a major engineering challenge and a unique opportunity.
“The engineers gathered here today will play a defining role in its success. We have both the responsibility and the privilege of building the foundation upon which future generations will prosper,” he said.
He encouraged the Ghana Institution of Engineering to become the country’s leading engineering think tank by offering evidence-based policy recommendations, improving engineering standards and promoting strategic leadership within the profession.
Ing. Obeng-Kenzo also outlined several priorities for the institution. He urged it to champion the development of reliable infrastructure for electricity supply, reduce technical losses in the power sector through innovative engineering solutions, influence national energy policy and develop a long-term engineering roadmap to guide infrastructure planning over the next 20 to 50 years.
He further called for stronger professional ethics, better contract management, continuous training and increased investment in specialised engineering skills to prepare the country’s workforce for future infrastructure and energy demands.
The VRA Chief Executive also challenged engineers to help solve pressing national problems, including the recurring floods in Accra and other parts of the country. He urged the profession to work closely with government to develop practical and sustainable engineering solutions.
Speaking after the lecture, Professor Douglas Boateng, founder of the lecture series, said the initiative was created to celebrate excellence in Ghana’s engineering profession while encouraging fresh ideas on industrialisation and national development.
He stressed the need for engineers to adopt a long-term approach to planning that extends beyond political terms if Ghana is to achieve sustainable industrial growth.
President-Elect of the Ghana Institution of Engineering, Ing. Sophia Tijani, said the annual lecture series aims to bring together experts and innovative ideas that will support Ghana’s development while strengthening engineering collaboration across Africa.
