The Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) has appointed Dr Enyonam Kpekpena as the new Executive Director to lead the institution into its next phase of growth and professional development.
She takes over from Outgoing acting Executive Director, Samuel Magnus Asiedu, who served in an acting capacity for 10 months following the exit of former Executive Director, David Kwatia Nyante.
President Ludwig Annang Hesse led the ceremony and highlighted the contribution of Ing Asiedu during his interim leadership.
“During his time, Mr Asiedu oversaw major initiatives, including the streamlining of the accounts unit, recruitment of two new directors, the successful execution of the GhIE Engineering Conference and AGM, the establishment of the GhIE Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre, and the refurbishment of the e-Library,” he said.
President Hesse revealed that the Executive Director’s role is demanding and requires sacrifice.
He expressed gratitude to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) for releasing Ing Kpekpena to serve the institution on secondment.
“We did not ask for you because you are a woman; we asked for you because you are competent to take on this role for the institution,” he said.
In his remarks, Outgoing Acting Executive Director Asiedu said serving GhIE had been a privilege.
“I am deeply grateful to the Council, staff and members for your trust, collaboration and unwavering support. Your dedication has made my role not only fulfilling but truly inspiring,” he said.
Commitment
Executive Director Kpekpena, in her acceptance speech, pledged to build on the achievements of her predecessors while working to advance the institution’s role in national development.
“As I take over the mantle, I am mindful of the vision, dedication and sacrifices of those who have led this noble institution before me. Their contributions have built GhIE into the highly respected professional body it is today,” she said.
Executive Director Kpekpena also expressed gratitude to ECG, her family, mentors and Women in Engineering (WinE) Ghana for their support throughout her career.
“I take this responsibility not only as a personal honour but as a call to service to our members, service to our profession and service to Ghana,” she said.
Profile
With more than 20 years of experience in electrical engineering, telecommunications, IT and project management, Executive Director Kpekpena brings deep expertise to her new role.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from KNUST, a master’s degree in Management with IT and Project Management specialisation, and a doctorate in Management from Colorado Technical University, USA.
She is a Fellow of GhIE, Immediate Past President of WinE Ghana, and the founding president of the ECG-WinE Chapter.
On the global stage, she serves as Chair of the Women in Engineering Committee of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations and was previously Chair of the Women in Engineering group for the Federation of African Engineering Organisations.
Her contributions to engineering leadership have been recognised internationally, including her selection for the WIE-FAEO Hall of Fame in 2021 and her contribution as a co-author of Rising to the Top, Volume IV, a book featuring African women engineering leaders.