In a powerful address that blended celebration with a call to duty, the President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana (IET-GH), Engr Henry Kwadwo Boateng, delivered a stirring message at the induction ceremony of over 200 new engineering practitioners.
Speaking before an audience of professionals, families and dignitaries, Engr Boateng emphasised that the future of Ghana depends not only on technical expertise but also on the moral compass of its engineers.
He welcomed the inductees warmly, not just as new members of a profession but as custodians of a legacy.
“Today,” he said, “we are not only celebrating your entry into the noble family of engineering we are also reflecting on the sacred values that must guide us: integrity and excellence.”
Then came a powerful reminder: “engineering is not about machines and equations alone.
“It is about people. About lives. Every bridge built, every system designed, every cable laid down they all shape the future of real human beings. That is why the theme of the ceremony, ‘Professional Integrity and Excellence: The Hallmark of the Modern Engineering Professional,’ was not just ceremonial. It was a call to arms.”
Engr Boateng added, “At a recent national forum, His Excellency President Mahama revealed that the Electricity Company of Ghana loses about 42% of its power some of it due to theft, illegal bypasses and direct connections. And too often, the enablers are engineers who should have stood for integrity.”
He told of a water treatment plant forced to shut down because of pollution far upstream, denying clean water to entire districts.
He questioned the fairness of making regions like Volta, which have protected their environment — bear the cost of the recklessness of others. “Why should millions suffer for the greed of a few?” he asked. “How is it just?”
He urged the new engineers to anchor themselves in values, not to sell their integrity for any price, not to be part of the problem but to be the ones who change the story.
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“Let your name and your work be synonymous with quality, honesty and service to humanity,” he said.
He reminded them that Ghana does not need engineers only in titles but rather Ghana needs engineers of conscience and engineers who will design with integrity, build with excellence and serve with patriotism.
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