Accra: The Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) has launched the 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA) to recognise outstanding work and innovation in the engineering sector. The awards were introduced at the Engineering Centre in Roman Ridge, Accra, under the theme, 'Celebrating Engineering Excellence for a Resilient and Prosperous Ghana.'
According to Ghana Web, the initiative aims to honour individuals, organisations, and teams whose engineering work has contributed to addressing practical challenges and improving services. The President of GhIE, Ing Ludwig Annang Hesse, mentioned that the awards are part of the Institution's mandate to promote and recognise excellence in engineering. He emphasized the need for quality engineering practices to shape the future effectively.
The awards, which have been part of the GhIE's annual banquet during Engineering Week since 2014, will now operate as a standalone scheme. This change is part of the GhIE's 2025-2027 strategic focus, which includes amendments to its Constitution and Bye-Laws and the establishment of a Research, Innovation and Excellence Standing Committee. The new structure aims to emphasize innovative engineering and technological solutions to societal challenges.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Ahmed Ibrahim, the Registrar of the Engineering Council of Ghana, Ing Isaac Bedu, highlighted the close links between the Ministry's core areas of responsibility and engineering. He pointed out that engineering solutions are critical in addressing issues like failing drainage systems, housing deficits, and lack of safe water in communities. He stressed the importance of professionalism, technical competence, and integrity in meeting Ghana's infrastructure and development needs.
The government, he added, will continue collaborating with GhIE to strengthen local engineering capacity and improve collaboration among academia, industry, and professional bodies. He also encouraged senior engineers to mentor young professionals and urged young engineers to blend innovation with integrity.
Chairperson of the Awards Committee, Ing Dr Latifatu Mohammed, outlined that the 2026 awards would cover five broad areas: Individual Excellence; Innovation and Technology Advancement; Sector-Specific Engineering Excellence; Public Impact and Policy; and Organisational and Team Excellence. Specific categories include Professional Engineer of the Year, Young Engineer of the Year, Distinguished Woman in Engineering, Lifetime Achievement, Engineering Educator, Engineering Researcher, Engineering Entrepreneur, and Best Student Project.
The innovation categories will focus on sustainable engineering, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, robotics, automation, digitalisation, intellectual property, collaboration, and health, safety, and risk management. Entries will be assessed based on measurable outcomes like cost savings, productivity gains, job creation, patents, safety improvements, emissions reductions, and infrastructure delivered. Independent experts will judge the nominations using standardised, evidence-based criteria, and judges will be required to declare any conflicts of interest. Nominations are open to individuals, self-nominations, and third parties until September 30, 2026.