Strengthen enforcement of engineering regulations – GhIE Chairman

The Branch 5 Chairman of the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) and Director of ICT at Tamale Technical University, Abdul Shakud Iddrisu, has expressed concern over the inadequate enforcement of regulations governing engineering activities in Ghana.

He said the weak implementation of the Engineering Council Act, 2011 (Act 819), and its associated Legislative Instrument (L.I. 2410) enables unqualified individuals to undertake engineering projects, often resulting in substandard work.

The Engineering Council Act 2011 (Act 819) established the Engineering Council as the regulatory body responsible for overseeing engineering practices in Ghana.

The law seeks to ensure that engineering services are performed by qualified professionals adhering to strict standards of competence, ethics, and professionalism.

The Act also aims to protect public safety, guarantee quality service delivery, and promote sustainable development.

Speaking at the GhIE Branch 5 End-of-Year Get-Together in Tamale, Mr Abdul Shakud Iddrisu highlighted the risks posed by the lack of enforcement.

The event brought together professional engineers, technologists, technicians, and artisans from the northern sector.

He noted that the failure to regulate who practices as an engineer compromises the integrity of projects and public safety.

“The absence of enforcement allows unqualified individuals to work on engineering projects. Without regulation, there is no framework to hold such individuals accountable when issues arise,” he explained.

Mr Shakud acknowledged the Engineering Council's challenges in effectively enforcing regulations, proposing the establishment of additional units to support oversight. While efforts to inspect engineering firms and verify professionals' credentials are ongoing, he argued that more robust systems are necessary.

“The Engineering Council must be empowered to enforce the law. Recognized engineering firms should employ only qualified engineers to ensure that projects meet required standards,” he emphasized.

He further criticized the practice of awarding government contracts to unregistered firms or individuals lacking the necessary qualifications.

He urged the government to enforce laws that promote transparency and fairness in contract awards.

“Strict adherence to the law can eliminate favoritism and discrimination in awarding contracts. Strengthening the mandate of the Engineering Council is essential to addressing this issue,” Ing. Shakud stated.

He stressed the need for engineers to continually update their skills to remain competitive in an evolving industry.

“Innovation is the lifeblood of engineering. Engineers must stay abreast of new trends and technologies to maintain their relevance. Professionalism and ethics are crucial for unlocking opportunities locally and globally,” he said.