Ghana Consulting Engineers Association inducts new president
The Ghana Consulting Engineers Association (GCEA), has inducted its new President, Mr Albert A. Ogyiri into office, to steer the affairs of the Association for the next two years.
The ceremony took place at the Engineers Centre at Roman Ridge in Accra and was graced by ministers of state, contractors as well as industry professionals.
Mr Ogyiri, in his inaugural address, called on government to appreciate the pivotal role played by local consulting engineers in national development and to fully utilize their competences and capabilities, if the nation is to advance in its middle-income status.
He noted that Ghana, West Africa’s second biggest economy, could realize sustainable development with the consequent job creation for the growing youth population, if capacity building is to be spearheaded by indigenously trained manpower.
The new President pointed out the over reliance on foreign consulting engineers, does not only result in huge capital expenditure for Ghana but also creates jobs for other economies at the expense of Ghanaians.
“Local consulting engineers are natural allies of both government and the private sector in the nation’s quest to develop sound, safe and secure infrastructure for its people.
“Government must therefore intensify its collaboration with the GCEA by introducing our members to more job opportunities as well as ensuring the timely payment for services rendered,” Mr Ogyiri stated.
He pledged that his presidency would strive to enhance the positive recognition of the GCEA, with stronger and more influential member firms and individuals.
He said the association is working to establish a minimum fee threshold for services and called on government to minimise delays in payment for consulting engineering services.
He called on member firms to train young professionals in consulting engineering and managerial skills as well as share knowledge on statutory requirements.
He said the Association would embark on a membership drive for firms and individuals to be able to generate the necessary force as well as obtained statutory recognition by registering with the Engineering Council of Ghana.
In a welcome address and overview of the activities of the Association, Mr F. Asare-Yeboah, Past President said the sustainable development of any country could only be done by the indigenous trained manpower to meet the socio-economic and environmental needs.
Mr Kwesi Abbey-Sam, who was the guest speaker, expressed the need for members to bring their professional expertise to bear on the works that they do for the betterment of the society.
He urged the professionals to pay attention to planning and design as well help develop standards with indigenous knowledge.
The 43 year-old Association, made up of over 46 member firms and individuals, has played key roles in providing consulting engineering services for many infrastructure projects across sectors of the economy.
Source: GNA