Engineers have been admonished to be problem solvers and preventers with passionate, ethical and purpose-driven qualities for a positive impact during the 2024 World Engineering Day Celebration on 4th March 2024 at the Kumapley Auditorium, which was themed “Engineering for a Sustainable World." The occasion brought together engineers, faculty members, tertiary, Senior High and Junior High students, and industry players.
Prof. Kwaku Amaning Adjei, Dean of the Faculty of Civil and Geo-Engineering, gave the welcome address on behalf of the Provost and said, “From the bridges that connect us, to the buildings that shelter us, and the technologies that transform our lives, engineering is the invisible thread woven throughout the fabric of human progress.“ He said the KNUST College of Engineering is committed to nurturing technically proficient engineers who are aware of their work's environmental and social impact while encouraging upcoming engineers to embrace innovation, collaboration, and ethical responsibility.
“Let us use this World Engineering Day as a moment of inspiration and motivation. As a global engineering community, we have the power to shape a sustainable, inclusive future filled with endless possibilities. As we continue our journey at the College of Engineering, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence, innovation, and the betterment of society through engineering.”
He encouraged all pre-tertiary students present to consider pursuing engineering as a noble profession because it contributes to solving global challenges.
Prof. Mark Adom-Asamoah, Immediate Past Provost of the College, congratulated engineers worldwide for their hard work. He advised the younger generation not to limit themselves but to explore, learn as much as possible and seek help when necessary. He further expressed concern about the declining number of students opting for science in Senior High schools. He advocated for a boost in science students' enrollment, which will, in the coming years, enable more students to pursue engineering after their secondary education.
Speaking on behalf of the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), Ing. Yaa Obenewaa Okudzeto stressed the institution’s focus on sustainable development.
“A sustainable society must be socially responsible, focusing on environmental protection and dynamic equilibrium with human and natural systems,” she said.
Prof. Francis Davies, Director General for the Technology Consultancy Centre (TCC), said KNUST will soon create a hub for digital innovative solutions.
“This digital technology and innovation hub will create an enabling environment to nurture creativity among the youth,” he stated.
Apollonius Asare, the Chief Programme Officer at the Ghana Commission for UNESCO, expressed UNESCO's commitment to creating a supportive environment for young engineers through the diverse UNESCO engineering fellowships.
“We are dedicated to advancing UNESCO's objectives in Ghana by fostering partnerships with stakeholders to advocate for STEM education, offer mentorship avenues, and celebrate the accomplishments of established and emerging engineers,” he asserted.
As a guest speaker, Theodore Ohene-Botchway, Chief Technology Officer of SAYeTECH Co. Ltd., shared his experience of founding SAYeTECH with a colleague from KNUST.
“The technology company aims to design, manufacture, and sell agricultural equipment geared towards the needs of smallholder farmers across the country. The company identifies peculiar problems each farmer faces and provides possible solutions to improve and grow their produce. Currently, the company has reached 10,000 local Ghanaian farmers and hopes to reach a lot more in the coming years,”
He encouraged students to participate in other extracurricular activities, as some of these initiatives will provide them with soft skills and networks.
A panel discussion covered various facets of engineering with insights from speakers who were panellists. Participants asked how to contribute and develop responsible and ethical engineering solutions for a sustainable future.
Junior High and Senior High students used Virtual Reality sets, Xbox and other technological gadgets mounted by the KNUST College of Engineering Innovation Centre.
