National Engineering Council Proposed

UNREGULATED engineering practices have led to the increasing number of quack practitioners who provide sub-standard products and services.

This has become evident from the collapse of buildings and structures which are constructed under poor supervision and materials.

Mr F.K. Akwaboah, President of the Ghana Institution of Engineers, made this known when the national executive of the institution met members of the Suame Magazine Industrial Development Organisation (SMIDO).

The meeting was to sensitise SMIDO members on a bill which seeks to establish an Engineering Council and collate their concerns, views and opinions for incorporation into the bill if necessary.

Mr Akwaboah said the Engineering Council Bill, when promulgated, will change the dangerous situation for better “as it will set high standards of performance, integrity, and discipline in the profession”.

He said engineering plays a crucial role in national development and cuts across professional boundaries, “however, whereas other professions have councils established by legislative instruments that regulate and control their practices, engineering has no such disciplinary body”.

In response to a question on how to identify, assess and control the activities of the numerous artisans, mechanics, spare parts dealers among others, Mr Akwaboah explained that appropriate criteria will be provided for the registration of all qualified practitioners.

“Indeed, it will be in the best interest of each and every one to meet the requirements of the law that will come into force,” he said.

Present were Dr. S.K. Ampadu, Dr. M. Salifu, Dr S.M. Sackey and Boateng, while SMIDO was represented by Mr. George Asamoah Amankwah, president,  Mr Sarpong Boateng, vice president, Mr Clement Sarpong, welfare officer and Mr Appiah Kubi.