Five-year agreement sets the stage for technical collaboration, knowledge sharing and stronger professional standards in Ghana’s built environment.
The Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Ghana Chapter have formalised a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening engineering practice, advancing technical collaboration and promoting higher professional and safety standards in Ghana.
The two institutions signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the Engineering Centre in Accra on Thursday October 15, 2026, establishing a five-year framework for cooperation in knowledge sharing, professional engagement and the development of initiatives to benefit engineers and the wider public.
The agreement brings together GhIE’s broad professional engineering network and ASHRAE Ghana Chapter’s specialist expertise in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and sustainable building systems. The partnership is intended to create opportunities for both organisations to amplify their impact through coordinated action.
Speaking at the signing, GhIE President Ing Ludwig Annang Hesse underscored the importance of bringing engineering professionals and specialist groups together to advance common objectives. He explained that GhIE’s constitutional framework provides for affiliated engineering groups to support collaboration, advocacy and the advancement of engineering practice.
Ing Hesse identified safety as a particularly important area for joint action, raising concerns about unsafe practices on construction sites, including workers handling sand and cement without appropriate protective equipment.
His remarks highlighted the need to move beyond professional dialogue towards stronger awareness, consistent standards and practical measures that improve safety across engineering and construction activities.
ASHRAE Ghana President Ing Richard Baah Asare welcomed the partnership, describing collaboration with GhIE as an opportunity to extend the chapter’s reach and achieve greater impact than it could independently.
He emphasised the value of working with an established national engineering institution to advance initiatives in air conditioning, ventilation, refrigeration and related building services. He also highlighted the potential for collaboration to encourage the incorporation of appropriate technical and safety requirements into project specifications and tender documents.
Under the MoU, both institutions will identify stakeholder needs, exchange best practices and pursue mutually beneficial activities. Each organisation will appoint a representative to coordinate implementation, while specific projects may be governed by separate written agreements detailing responsibilities, financial contributions, work plans and reporting requirements.
The agreement will remain in force for five years and may be renewed for a further five years by written agreement.
ASHRAE Ghana will also encourage its members to join GhIE as members and registered engineering service providers, strengthening professional links between the two organisations.
Established in 1968, GhIE advances the science and practice of engineering for the benefit of society. Its constitutional provisions recognise affiliated engineering groups as partners in advocacy, collaboration and the advancement of professional practice.
ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international society focused on building systems, energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality and sustainability. Its technical expertise is relevant to improving building performance, occupant comfort and the environmental sustainability of Ghana’s built environment.
For GhIE and ASHRAE Ghana Chapter, the signing marks the beginning of a partnership whose real significance will lie in translating shared commitments into practical results for Ghana’s engineering profession and society.
