A gathering of engineers, public officials, and development stakeholders convened to address a pressing national concern: building sustainable infrastructure through empowered local engineering.
The central theme of the forum was Equipping the Engineering Department of the Local Government Service for Sustainable Infrastructure Development.
Delivering the keynote address, Engr. Henry Kwadwo Boateng, President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Ghana, highlighted both the challenges and actionable solutions to strengthen infrastructure development at the local level.
He pointed out that many engineers serving in Ghana’s local assemblies are tasked with designing, supervising, and implementing critical infrastructure but often lack basic tools, mobility, and equipment. Without these essentials, even the most skilled professionals struggle to deliver quality infrastructure.
“Equipping engineering departments must be the first step. Infrastructure development depends not only on policy but also on capacity, which is built through practical investment,” Engr. Boateng said.
He stressed the importance of continuous in-service training, noting that staying updated with global trends in technology and sustainable practices is essential for engineers to remain innovative and efficient. “Knowledge and innovation are as vital as concrete and steel,” he added.
Engr. Boateng also addressed funding challenges, highlighting that while Internally Generated Funds (IGFs) are crucial for district development, they are often entirely consumed by recurrent expenditures. He advocated for transparent allocation of development control revenues, such as building permits, directly into engineering departments.
Professional regulation was another key focus. Engr. Boateng emphasized that engineers within the Local Government Service must be licensed and regulated by bodies such as IET-GH and the Engineering Council to ensure accountability, maintain professional standards, and build public trust.
Concluding his address, he issued a call to action: “Let us invest in our engineers. Let us train them, equip them, and support them. Because in doing so, we are not just building infrastructure—we are building the future of Ghana.”
Source: Kodwo Mensah Aboroampa
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