Otumfuo Hiahene, Nana Prof. Oheneba Boakye Agyei Woahene II is urging government to invest heavily in Information Technology and Communication (ICT) systems.

He observes the pandemic has brought to fore the need for improved internet connectivity.

“We learned firsthand, what it takes to study at home in the Covid pandemic. One critical factor was connectivity. How many households had 2 G Wi-fi, let alone broadband?

“It means with a prolonged pandemic, low-income countries and lower-middle-income countries could severely be handicapped,” he said at the 51^st annual general conference and meeting, in Kumasi.

Nana Prof. Woahene II wants government to partner with the private sector in renewable energy, infrastructure, education and health.

“It is incumbent on government working with private partners to invest in a robust information technology and communication system.

“Invest in renewable energy to lower our dependency on the grid and fossil fuel; invest infrastructure development; invest in good quality education and health for better life for all people,” he said.

He is optimistic an integration of all disciplines is crucial in realizing this vision.

“All these put together and with the application of the different engineering disciplines, the sky is the limit,” he said.

Pro Vice Chancellor of the KNUST, Prof Ellis Owusu-Dabo affirmed KNUST’s resolution to solving developmental issues in the country.

He says the University will partner the Ghana Institution of Engineering in this agenda.

“KNUST has developed additional curricula and course programmes that help to proffer solution to the teething problems that we have as a country,

“We shall offer partnerships together with the Ghana Institution of Engineering to ensure that the ultimate goal of building a sustainable environment for our children and the future of our country is achieved,” he said.

The 51^st annual general meeting conference and meeting is under the theme: Engineering key to sustainable development goals.

Executive Director of the Ghana Institute of Engineers, Kwabena Agyepong commended the country’s engineers for a stable environment in the midst of the pandemic.

“Despite the pandemic, engineers have worked round the clock to keep critical infrastructure functioning around the world, and Ghana cannot be left out,” he noted.

Outgoing President, Leslie Alex Ayeh charged the Institution to work towards realising government’s agenda of Ghana Beyond Aid.

“We need to do our utmost best that our development is sustainable so we go beyond aid. We can transform our society to be one of the big guns in the world,” he said.

The conference saw the presentation of research findings, induction of new members, a forum for student and young engineers, and women in engineering.