Accra, Nov. 21, GNA - Mr Frederick Akwaboah, President of Ghana Institution of Engineers, on Friday called for the development of indigenous engineering and technology capacity to enable Ghana to compete effectively in the global economic environment. He said while science and engineering had contributed to the high quality of life in the developed countries, the role of engineering in developing countries was often not understood. Mr Akwaboah, who made the call at the 39th Presidential Address of the Institution, said capacity building and technical expertise was the key to enhancing the country's ability to becoming economically self-sufficient.

"Ghana and other developing countries are to lift themselves out of poverty by adopting scientific and engineering approaches to accelerate socio-economic growth," he said. Mr Akwaboah said national development entailed the provision of the necessary social and physical facilities towards the realisation of the talents of the individual and the enhancement of the nation. "Two areas that can likely lead to the desired economic growth and self-sufficiency in developing countries are the utilisation of advanced technologies and education that leads to skilful manpower" Mr Akwaboah, relating Ghana to Asia, noted that economic development in Asia was mostly attributed to their efforts to enhance the education of their indigenous engineers and technology graduates. He said the role engineers play in poverty reduction could not be under-emphasized, adding that, capabilities in engineering determine the ability to provide clean water, good health care, adequate infrastructure and safe foods. On the oil exploration in the country, he said Ghana should learn from the experiences of other countries. "Engineers need to play a major role in the environmental issues of oil drilling to save the environment from degradation. Training should aim at developing local competency to complement foreign personnel".

Mr Akwaboah said such a base of qualified engineers and technologists would facilitate the infusion of foreign capital through aid funds and grow local business. Engineering practice in Ghana however faces challenges such as the lack of protection of indigenous firms, self-worth, teamwork, slow growth of the construction industry and inadequate support and protection from government and other regulatory bodies. Mr Akwaboah called for the passage of the engineering bill to enable the Council to properly regulate and control the practice in the country.