The Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) has met with representatives of various Political Parties to engage them on their Manifesto Series in Accra.
Political Party representatives who attended the event were from New Patriotic Party (NPP), National Democratic Congress (NDC), Movement for Change and Convention Peoples Party (CPP).
In his welcome address, the President of GhIE, Ing. Kwabena Bempong explained that 2024 is an election year and the political parties would be preparing manifestos for their campaign. The Ghana Institution of Engineering Manifesto Series aims to outline and advocate for strategic interventions in key sectors affecting the socio-economic development of Ghana and to provide informed and practical recommendations to shape the development of political parties’ manifestos with a focus on critical sectors that influence the socio-economic development of the country.
Ing. Kwabena Bempong outlined that primary objectives of the GhIE Manifesto Series to include:
Influence Policy Formulation and Sectorial Reforms: This is to provide evidence-based recommendations that inform the policy-making process, ensuring that policies are grounded in technical feasibility.
Promote Sustainable Development: This is to advocate for policies that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship and social equity, aligning with global sustainable development goals.
Enhance Public Discourse: To stimulate informed discussions among policymakers, stakeholders, and the public on critical issues affecting the nation, fostering a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
Empowering Political Parties: To equip political parties with the knowledge and tools needed to develop comprehensive and actionable manifestos that address the real needs of the population.
The President-Elect of the Ghana Institution of Engineering, Ing. Ludwig Hesse (FGhIE), said, the GhIE Manifesto Series selected four thematic Areas, namely:
i. Management of the Urban Space, which was expertly presented by Ing. Lincoln Quarshie, (FGhIE) and a Past President of GhIE.
ii. Urban Public Transportation, which was presented by Ing. Ludwig Hesse, President-Elect of GhIE and was moderated by Ing. Michael Obeng Konadu, (FGhIE) and Chair of Civil Technical Division of GhIE.
iii. Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining, which was presented by Ing. Prof. Francis Momade (FGhIE).
iv. Sustainable Energy, was presented by Ing. Emmanuel A. Roberts (FGhIE).
Speaking at the sidelines of the program, the Executive Director of GhIE, Ing. David Nyante (FGhIE), emphasized the significance of the role of Engineering Practitioners in establishing our great nation and shaping our society.
He said, Engineering practitioners in Ghana have responsibilities beyond building structures and executing initiatives. The abilities of Engineering Practitioners can advance our nation and enhance the lives of our citizens.
It is against this background that this Manifesto Series is very important and necessary to Political parties in formulating their programs and plans towards 2024 general elections.
The four political parties whose representatives were present at the program, expressed gratitude to GhIE for coming out with a 100-page document that spelt out important sectors of the society to guide them in their Manifesto preparations.
They assured GhIE that when they are voted into power, they would work closely with the institution to develop the nation because no nation can develop without Engineering Practitioners.
