In a significant stride toward nurturing the next generation of engineering leaders, the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana (IET-GH), inaugurated its Student Chapter at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) on Friday, July 11, 2025.

The event, held under the theme “Engineering the Future – Youth, Innovation, and Excellence,” brought together an inspiring mix of academia, industry professionals, and passionate students committed to shaping a better Ghana through ethical engineering and innovation.

Delivering the keynote address, President of IET-GH, Engr. Henry Kwadwo Boateng called on students to rise as agents of change, innovators, and guardians of Ghana’s future.

He stated that engineering must evolve beyond machines and structures to embrace a higher purpose, preserving the environment, serving communities, and upholding integrity.

“Your theme could not be more fitting,” Engr. Boateng said. “We are at a critical point in our country’s development, one where engineering must transcend machines and infrastructure. It must focus on people, purpose, and above all, the preservation of our future.”

The IET-GH President issued a stern but necessary reminder of the threats facing the nation. From polluted water bodies to deforestation and toxic contamination of food crops, he highlighted recent research from Atiwa East confirming the presence of heavy metals in local produce as evidence of the looming crisis.

“This is not just an environmental issue,” he cautioned. “It is a direct threat to our survival. And behind this destruction are powerful individuals, kingpins driven by greed. Sadly, some may be closer to us than we would like to admit.”

He challenged students to stand against unethical practices, even when difficult, and to lead with innovation grounded in integrity.

“We believe in engineering that protects, not destroys,” he said. “And we believe that you, the youth, have the courage to challenge the status quo and engineer a better Ghana.”

In his closing remarks, the IET-GH President encouraged the newly inaugurated Student Chapter to work collaboratively with other professional student bodies on campus.

“Let healthy collaboration, not competition-be your guide,” he urged. “Together, we can drive progress that is ethical, inclusive, and impactful.”

The event was graced by several distinguished personalities, including: Engr. Prof. Richard Amorin, Chairman for the occasion and Head of Department (Postgraduate Studies), Vice Dean Engr. Prof. Mrs. Gladys Quartey, Guest Speaker, Engr. Dr. Ohenewaa Kakra Dankwah, Patron of the UMaT IET-GH Chapter, Engr. Seth Ayim, Executive Director, IET-GH, and Engr. John Bentoom, Vice President, IET-GH.

With this inauguration, UMaT officially joins the growing network of IET-GH student chapters across Ghana, aimed at equipping future engineers with the knowledge, values, and platforms needed to lead transformational change.

As Ghana looks ahead to an uncertain yet promising future, this new generation of engineers is being called not only to design systems but to build a sustainable, ethical, and innovative nation.

“Let excellence guide you. Let innovation inspire you. And let your conscience lead the way,” Engr. Boateng concluded.