The Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) has inducted 194 new Professional Engineers, charging them to uphold the highest standards of competence and ethics in addressing Ghana’s growing infrastructure and development challenges.

The induction ceremonies, held in two sessions at the Engineering Centre, Roman Ridge, in Accra, mark a significant boost to the country’s technical capacity, with 103 engineers inducted in the morning and 91 in the afternoon.

Providing a breakdown of the inductees, Chairman of the Membership Committee, Ing. Dr. Michael Ankamah Bekoe, said 188 candidates qualified through the standard professional examinations, while four were admitted through the confirmation hearing route in recognition of their outstanding professional experience.

The new engineers comprise 77 Civil Engineers, 43 Mechanical, Agricultural and Marine Engineers, 26 Chemical and Mining Engineers, and 46 Electrical and Electronic Engineers, with two additional candidates from previous cohorts completing the total of 194.

In a poignant address, the President of GhIE, Ludwig Annang Hesse, extended condolences to families affected by the recent building collapse at Accra New Town, describing the tragedy as avoidable and symptomatic of systemic failures.

“These fatalities were needless,” he stated, stressing that the incident highlighted persistent lapses in enforcement of building regulations and professional standards.

He raised critical questions on whether due process had been followed in the design, permitting, construction and supervision of the collapsed structure, and called for accountability.

The GhIE President further urged government to incorporate structural audits into its national reset agenda, particularly targeting abandoned buildings and ageing infrastructure, warning that such structures posed significant risks to public safety.

Administering the oath of induction, Ing. Hesse reminded the new engineers that their profession carried a solemn responsibility to society.

“By this oath, you are committing to practice engineering in a competent and responsible manner, with the wellbeing of society as your foremost priority,” he said.

He also expressed concern over the apparent disconnect between ongoing development projects and the quality of infrastructure delivery, urging the inductees to be agents of change by committing to excellence and integrity in their work.

The Executive Director of GhIE, Ing. Dr. Mrs. Enyonam Kpekpena, encouraged the newly inducted members to actively engage in the Institution’s programmes and professional activities, noting that continuous learning and participation were essential for career growth.

She urged them to take full advantage of the Institution’s platforms, describing GhIE as their professional home.

Advice to the inductees was delivered by the Vice President of GhIE, Ing. Dr. Patrick Amoah Bekoe, during the morning session, and by Past President Ing. Dr. Frederick Asare-Yeboah in the afternoon, both of whom underscored the importance of discipline, continuous development, and adherence to ethical standards.

The ceremonies attracted members of the GhIE Council, past presidents, the Registrar of the Engineering Council, Ing. Isaac Bedu, families of inductees, and representatives of the media.

The induction of the 194 engineers is expected to strengthen Ghana’s engineering workforce and contribute to improved standards in infrastructure development and service delivery.