New GhIE president outlines vision for institution

The newly elected President of the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), Ludwig Annang Hesse, has outlined his vision for the institution, emphasising governance, public policy influence, membership welfare and strategic partnerships.

Speaking after his investiture at the Engineering Centre in Accra last Thursday, Mr Hesse highlighted the importance of engineering excellence and the role of GhIE in national development.

“I was elected President-Elect at the 2023 AGM of the Institution and I am due to become president, as per Article 10.6.1(b) of the Institution at the 2025 AGM.

Having served my tutelage for the past two years at the feet of our President, Kwabena Bempong and on both the Executive Committee and Council of the Institution, I have the firm belief I have been adequately prepared for the service ahead. I am grateful to our President, Ing. Kwabena Bempong, for his patient tutelage,” he said.

The new president, who was speaking on the theme; “Engineering Our Future: Do It Well, Do It Right,” stated that his presidency would focus on strengthening the institution’s governance, ensuring engineers played a key role in shaping national policies, enhancing member benefits and expanding local and international collaborations.

Ceremony

The investiture ceremony was held as part of the GhIE’s 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Engineering Conference.

It brought together engineers, policymakers and industry leaders to discuss the future of engineering in Ghana. This year’s conference focused on “Urbanisation and Smart Cities: Engineering the Future of Ghana’s Cities.”

As part of the AGM,  an electrical engineer at the Volta River Authority (VRA), Sophia Abena Tijani, was elected president.

In line with GhIE’s constitution, she will serve under Mr Hesse for two years before assuming the presidency.

The event was attended by international delegations from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, South Africa, Kenya and Zambia. Also present were the presidents of the Federation of African Engineering Organisation (FAEO) and the West African Federation of Engineering Organisation , past presidents of GhIE, council members and representatives from Women in Engineering  and Youth in Engineer.

Role, advocate  

The Minister of Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, commended the GhIE for its contributions to national development, stressing that the conference‘s agenda aligned with the government’s vision for sustainable and technologically advanced urban development.

He also reminded engineers of their role in implementing the government’s Resetting Agenda and 24-hour Economy initiative under President John Dramani Mahama.

In his farewell address, outgoing President Kwabena Bempong shared advice with Mr Hesse, urging him to be a strong advocate for the engineering profession, while upholding transparency, inclusivity and financial sustainability.

He emphasised the need for active listening, valuing diverse perspectives and fostering collaboration.