The Executive Director of the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), Ing Dr Enyonam Kpekpena, has underscored the importance of early exposure to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), mentorship, and stronger industry collaboration in advancing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and engineering education in the country.
She made the remarks during a panel discussion at the “Collaborative for Engineering Education Advancement in Africa Summit” organised by Academic City University in Accra.
The summit, held under the theme “Engineering Education for a Sustainable Future in Emerging Economies,” brought together industry leaders, policymakers, academicians, innovators and students to discuss the future of engineering education and its contribution to industrial growth, sustainability and technological advancement.
Drawing from her experience as Executive Director of GhIE, General Manager of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) Corporate Project Management Office, and Chair of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations – Women in Engineering (WFEO-WiN), Ing Dr Kpekpena noted that low female participation in engineering often begins at the early stages of education, where many girls perceive STEM subjects as difficult or unsuitable for them.
According to her, by the time many young women reach university or enter industry, they are often trying to overcome barriers created by years of limited exposure, encouragement and mentorship.
She explained that Women in Engineering at the African level has established competitions targeting girls between the ages of 5 and 14 to identify community engineering problems and propose practical solutions.
She noted that the initiative introduces young girls to STEM education at an early age and helps them understand engineering concepts through hands-on problem-solving activities.
Touching on industry expectations, Ing Dr Kpekpena said employers increasingly require graduates who can think critically, manage constraints and provide practical engineering solutions rather than relying solely on academic qualifications.
She indicated that ECG, through its mentorship and coaching initiatives, had developed a network of trained and prepared female engineering professionals who have benefited from practical exposure, internships and career development programmes to enhance their employability.
She further stressed the importance of stronger collaboration among schools, universities, industries and professional engineering institutions to promote structured mentoring, coaching and practical training opportunities for young engineers.
“At the Ghana Institution of Engineering, we are collaborating with industry to ensure that engineers receive hands-on training that enables them to appreciate not only the theoretical aspects of engineering, but also the practical application of engineering solutions,” she said.
Ing Dr Kpekpena called for deliberate national policies to support early STEM exposure for girls and encouraged female professionals in industry to mentor younger women pursuing careers in engineering and technical fields.