At the 38th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Institution of Engineering and Technology Ghana (IET-GH), Executive Director Engr. Seth Ayim delivered a comprehensive and optimistic Annual Report, reflecting the milestones, challenges, and successes for 2024.
His address encapsulated a year of growth, innovation, and dedication to promoting excellence in the engineering profession across the country.
Opening his report, Engr. Ayim expressed his deep gratitude to members, past presidents, and distinguished guests for their unwavering support and participation.
Despite the challenges that arose throughout the year, he highlighted the tremendous strides IET-GH had made in its mission to foster engineering excellence and contribute to the national development agenda.
“The institution has been very active this year. Though we faced intermittent challenges, we remained committed to our goals and achieved significant progress in advancing engineering practice, driving membership growth, and enhancing the visibility of IET-GH,” he remarked.
One of the core focuses of IET-GH this year was improving its internal systems and operational efficiencies, and several key initiatives were successfully implemented:
The secretariat saw significant improvements, most notably the introduction of a second internet source from MTN to ensure uninterrupted service for office work.
Additionally, the transition from manual to electronic filing is in progress, with the new system set to offer better organization and accessibility of documents.
While exploring the potential benefits of an electronic examination system, Engr. Ayim informed the gathering that the Engineering Council is currently pursuing similar initiatives.
As a result, IET-GH has decided to maintain its current manual examination process until further developments are made.
The election process for the new president was another highlight, with four strong candidates vying for the role.
Engr. Ayim confirmed that the election took place from October 15th to 21st, and the results would be announced during the AGM, with the winner assuming office in the coming year.
In an effort to engage the next generation of engineers, IET-GH successfully established new student chapters at leading universities, including KNUST, RMU, and Accra Technical University.
The institution’s long-term goal is to create a presence at all universities across Ghana, ensuring that students are well-supported in their academic and professional pursuits.
A significant initiative this year was the appointment of institutional representatives to facilitate the growth of IET-GH membership within major Ghanaian institutions.
The Electricity Company of Ghana and Ghana Water Company are among the latest organizations to join this movement.
IET-GH continued to support the future of Ghana’s engineering talent through its scholarship program.
Engr. Ayim proudly shared that five exceptional students from various universities were awarded scholarships in 2023, bringing the total number of scholarship recipients to 15.
This initiative underscores IET-GH’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers.
The scholarship recipients, including students from universities such as Accra Technical University, Cape Coast Technical University, and University of Mines and Technology, are pursuing critical courses in Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and Petroleum Engineering.
In line with its core mission of professional development, IET-GH successfully conducted 32 of the 41 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs planned for the year.
A standout event was the Cement Academy program, which was held at Cape Coast Technical University and sponsored by Continental Blue Investment. Due to its success, the program is set to expand nationwide with support from Supercem.
IET-GH maintained strong relationships with government agencies and professional bodies.
Through partnerships with the Ghana Technical Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) and the Engineering Council, IET-GH has contributed to the development of occupational standards for various engineering sectors, such as steel bending and construction machinery operations.
Additionally, IET-GH played an active role in GTEC accreditation for university programs, providing expertise to help ensure that engineering curricula meet national and international standards.
A critical ongoing issue for IET-GH is its tenancy situation with the Ghana Museum and Monuments Board.
Efforts to regularize the institution’s title and address ground rent payments are still in progress, with continued discussions expected to resolve outstanding issues.
In a heartening move to boost institutional pride, IET-GH launched its official anthem, composed by Dr. Samuel Agbenyo.
The anthem will be performed at all AGMs and induction ceremonies, symbolizing unity and commitment to excellence among members.
The lyrics emphasize the institution’s role in driving innovation and shaping the future of Ghana through engineering and technology.
IET-GH members continued to represent the institution at major events, both locally and internationally.
Engr. Ayim highlighted participation in several notable conferences and forums, such as the lighting smart homes conference by the Ghana Electrical Contractors Association, the ESRI User Conference in West Africa, and a special invitation to the 2024 joint CIB W099 & W123 international conference in Ghana.
Finally, Engr. Ayim provided an update on the registration of engineering professionals.
In 2024, IET-GH successfully registered 192 new Professional Engineers (PE), 64 Engineering Technologists (PET), and 321 Engineering Craftspersons (EC), bringing the total number of professionals registered since 2021 to over 3,500.
This achievement highlights the institution’s growing role in certifying and advancing the engineering profession in Ghana.
In closing, Engr. Ayim reaffirmed IET-GH’s commitment to advancing the engineering profession in Ghana.
Despite the challenges faced in 2024, the institution has made remarkable progress in improving its internal systems, expanding its membership, and contributing to the national development agenda.
“I am confident that the progress we have made this year will lay the foundation for even greater achievements in the future. Together, we will continue to innovate, collaborate, and build a brighter, more sustainable future for Ghana,” he said.