Engineers to Save the Environment

Prof. Dominic Fobih, the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology has called on engineers to be conscious that some of their activities degrade the environment and they should develop strategies to combat the negative effects.

He said, "the role of the engineer is unquestionable in managing and sustaining the environment."

Prof. Dominic Fobih was speaking at the inauguration of a 13 member Board of Trustees for the Ghana Institution of Engineers (GhIE) and launching of GhIE Engineering Innovation and Research Foundation, in Accra.

It was under the theme, "Engineering for the Better Life - meeting the Ghanaian Aspirations".

The Foundation will mobilize funds for engineering innovation and research in communities to alleviate rural poverty. It also aims at upgrading and expanding professional and informal engineering continuing education and ensuring value for money in all major public sector engineering works, through peer reviews.

The minister entreated them to keep abreast with the constitutional laws and regulations, and to consult often, the laid down Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) when designing and constructing.

Mr. Osafo Maafo, Minister of Finance, entreated GhIE to find a solution to the problem hindering the government from getting value for money. "We pay more and receive less. We cannot have the situation where we cannot have value for money."

He said research is long overdue, adding that government would do its best to help with funding. "Golden Age of Business implies innovation, technology and competitiveness. Government is willing to support research particularly when it is applied."

Ing. Brian Adomako, President of GhIE bemoaned the fact that there is much technology in the country, but the sector lags behind. His wish is that the industrial revolution would enhance the economic situation of Ghana.

The Board of Trustees are Nana Otuo Siriboe, Prof. Fred T. Sai, Alhaji Asuma Banda and Mrs. Gloria Nikoi all members. Other members are Mr. Ishmael Yamson, Mr. Sam Okuzeto, Pastor Mensah Otabil, Prof. John Nabila and Prof. (Mrs.) Aba Andam.

The rest are the Vice Chancellor KNUST, Chief Executive of VRA - Corporate members, President GhIE and Executive Secretary GhIE - both ex-offcio.