Engineering experts have underscored the need for sustainable infrastructure development and increased investment in capacity building to drive national growth.
This was highlighted at the maiden Ghana Geotechnical and Geosynthetics Conference, held on the 3rd and 4th of September 2025 at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
The conference, themed “The Critical Role of Geotechnical Engineering in the Nexus Between Green Engineering and Public Safety”, brought together engineers, geotechnical and geosynthetic practitioners to explore innovative solutions for green infrastructure, environmental safety, and resilient project delivery.
During the event, the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) expressed concerns over the government’s decision to construct the proposed Accra-Kumasi Expressway while the ongoing dualisation of the Accra-Kumasi Highway remains incomplete.
The institution warned that rushing such a massive project without adequate engineering assessments and ground preparations could compromise its quality and long-term sustainability.
President of GhIE, Ing. Ludwig Annang Hesse, stressed the need for proper planning before execution:
“In Ghana, when a government says I am starting a new project, they want to start it in their time. Now projects like the Expressway should take not least five years to prepare from concept to engineering before you start breaking the ground. Any government that comes and says I will start breaking ground for a new greenfield project in one year then there’s no good preparation, and our project will fail. Do we really need to rethink that project?”
The conference also highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration among engineers across various disciplines, increased research investment, and strategic planning to ensure efficient infrastructure delivery and address gaps within the built environment.
The Provost of the College of Engineering at KNUST, Ing. Prof. Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko, called for greater support for engineers and innovation:
“In Ghana, we have a lot of engineers. At the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, we produce about two thousand engineers every year, so we need more investment in capacity building. We also need to strengthen the innovation ecosystem to support the work of engineers.”
He added, “This is the maiden conference, but we need to have more such events to provide a platform for engineers, especially those in the geotechnical field, to meet and discuss issues relevant to socio-economic development.”
Speaking on behalf of the organising institutions — the Ghana Geotechnical Society (GGS) and the International Geosynthetics Society Ghana Chapter (GhIGS) — Ing. Dr. Patrick Bekoe urged engineers across all disciplines to foster stronger collaboration for better project outcomes:
“We have been practising separately for a long time, but this is the first time we are coming together to identify our strengths and weaknesses to improve infrastructure development.”
He further encouraged all geotechnical and geosynthetic engineering practitioners to join the professional body to enhance knowledge sharing and drive greater achievements in the sector.
