Engineers urged to embrace emerging technologies

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By Samuel SAM

The second induction ceremony for the Institution of Engineering and Technology-Ghana’s (IET-GH) Northern Branch has been held in Tamale, with a call on engineering professionals to embrace emerging technologies and pursue continuous professional development (CPD) to enhance industry practice.

Speaking at the ceremony held at Tamale Technical University’s (TaTU) ICT auditorium, the national president of IET-GH, Engr. Henry Kwadwo Boateng, underscored the critical role engineers play in national development – urging them to remain at the forefront of innovation.

“Your journey of growth should never stop. The world needs engineers who are not only ready to respond but also lead. We must demonstrate professionalism in building more efficient, intelligent and environmentally responsible systems,” he said.

Engr. Boateng noted that the global engineering landscape is being shaped by significant challenges, including climate change, environmental degradation and growing demand for smart, resilient infrastructure. He highlighted the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) as transformative tools that can enable engineers to design more sustainable systems.

“Sustainable and resilient engineering is now at the heart of our profession. We are no longer just builders and designers – we are problem-solvers, shaping a world that must endure and adapt,” he added.

The event, themed ‘Making a difference as an IET-GH engineering practitioner in the era of AI and the internet of things’, brought together professionals from academia and industry. Notable attendees included Engr. Seth Ayim, Executive Director; Engr. Gibson Siayire, Northern Sector Treasurer; and other senior engineers from the university and private sector.

According to Engr. Boateng, while academic institutions are evolving they have yet to fully catch up with the pace of technological advancement. This, he said, places responsibility on engineers to proactively pursue continuous learning and skills upgrading.

“This milestone marks not only your professional growth but also your entry into a future defined by innovation, sustainability and impact,” he told the inductees.

He reaffirmed IET-GH’s commitment to supporting members through mentorship, technical resources, professional networks and training programmes.

“Let your work be guided by innovation, excellence and a deep sense of responsibility to society and the environment. Together, let us build a future that is sustainable, resilient and proudly engineered by Ghanaian professionals.”

Also speaking at the ceremony, Northern Sector Chair of IET-GH Engr. John Amoah said the regional branch has been actively engaging members and offering in-service support to help strengthen their businesses.

He revealed that the branch has collaborated with sister-institutions to promote professional standards and address concerns over infrastructure failures, which he attributed in part to the use of substandard materials and engagement of unqualified practitioners.

Engr. Amoah advised the public to always verify licences and credentials of engineers before contracting their services.

“The collapse of infrastructure often stems from poor oversight and involvement of unlicenced individuals. We urge clients to check certificates and ensure they are working with recognised professionals,” he stressed.