New engineers advised to be guided by principles of integrity

The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana (IET-GH) has inducted 200 new members into its fold with a charge on them to be guided by the principles of ingenuity, efficiency and safety.

Whether in the design of bridges, energy, hospital equipment, plants or digital infrastructure, engineers must integrate health and safety into every stage of the processes.

The President of the IET-GH, Henry Kwadwo Boateng, who gave the charge, said "As we engineer solutions to meet our nation's needs, the safety and well-being of the public must remain our highest priority."

That responsibility, Mr Boateng said, required not just compliance with standards but a mindset that prioritised human life above all else. 

"Let me reemphasise that innovation should not be at the detriment of human life and the environment,” he said.

The induction ceremony was held on the theme: "Driving Sustainable Development through Innovative Engineering Solutions".

It also formed part of the 38th Annual General Meeting of the IET-GH.

Sustainability 

Mr Boateng noted that through innovative solutions, engineers could mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce environmental degradation and promote resource efficiency. 

He said initiatives such as renewable energy adoption, smart city technologies, and eco-friendly construction practices must become mainstream in our projects.

"The call for sustainability is not optional—it is an imperative.

"Furthermore, our role as engineers extends beyond technical expertise. We must collaborate with policymakers, financial institutions, and communities to ensure that the solutions we propose are feasible, equitable and enduring," he said.

Partnerships between engineering bodies and government institutions, Mr Boateng said, were critical to advancing the country’s infrastructure agenda.

As an Institution, he said the IET-GH remained committed to providing the platform for the continuous professional development of our members. 

The body, he said, would also engage in advocacy to influence policies that promoted sustainable engineering practices. Through research, capacity-building, and adherence to global best practices, adding: "We aim to empower our members to lead the charge in driving the nation’s development goals".

Creativity 

Mr Boateng, who took the inductees through the Engineering Creed, urged each of the engineers to view the challenges before them not as obstacles but as opportunities to demonstrate the transformative power of engineering. 

Together, he said they could make significant strides toward a sustainable and prosperous Ghana.

"To our young engineers, the future belongs to you. Your creativity and passion are the catalysts for the innovative solutions our nation needs.

Embrace technology, stay curious, and let your work reflect excellence and responsibility," he said.

Goodwill messages

In a speech read on his behalf, the Minister of Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, commended the IET-GH for aligning with the government’s economic agenda to build a robust economy.

“We join this distinguished community that shares the commitment of advanced engineering and technology in ways that will impact future generations,” he said.

Also in a goodwill message, the President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Mark  Amoamah, acknowledged the critical role that engineers played in shaping the country's future.

"Not only are we responsible for our works but also have a responsibility to society for public good," he said.

There were fraternal messages from some organisations, including the Ghana Electrical Contractors Association and the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry.