The immediate past president of the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), Ing Kwabena Bempong, has urged alumni and industry leaders to strengthen partnerships with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology’s (KNUST) College of Engineering to advance research, develop talent and support national development.
Delivering the keynote address at the launch of the college’s 75th anniversary celebrations in Kumasi on October 20, 2026, Ing Bempong said engineering excellence must translate into lasting societal impact through mentorship, service and strong institutions.
The celebrations are being held under the theme, “Excellence to Eminence: 75 Years of Engineering Education at KNUST.”
“Excellence is what you do. Technical mastery, rigour, and getting the work right,” he said. “However, eminence is what you leave behind. Influence, mentorship, institutions, and standards that outlast any one person.”
Bempong traced the college’s origins to the establishment of the Kumasi College of Technology in 1951, followed by the School of Engineering in October 1952. He said the institution had helped build Ghanaian capacity to design, construct and power development across the country and beyond.
“Look at the roads, bridges, power systems, mines, water works, and factories across Ghana and Africa. Behind so many of them are KNUST engineers,” he said.
Reflecting on his education at the college, Bempong said its training fostered resourcefulness, resilience and the ability to solve problems despite limited resources.
He said the engineering profession was changing rapidly, with climate-resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, digital construction, artificial intelligence and data-driven asset management increasingly shaping the industry.
He urged faculty to strengthen practical training and ensure students gained experience on real projects. Students, he said, must complement technical competence with communication, teamwork, leadership and ethical decision-making.
“Engineering is a public trust. A bridge does not care about shortcuts, and neither should we,” he said.
Bempong called on alumni to support the college by mentoring students, providing internships, collaborating on industry-focused research and investing in laboratories, scholarships and workshops. He also encouraged contributions to the College of Engineering Endowment Fund.
He urged industry leaders to recruit Ghanaian professionals and give young engineers meaningful responsibilities, arguing that local talent must play a leading role in national development.
“Capacity is built on trust,” he said. “Let us be intentional, because no one can build our country but us.”
As the college looks to the future, Bempong called for stronger research and industry partnerships and renewed commitment to preserving its legacy.
He urged the university community to become responsible custodians of the institution, ensuring future generations inherit stronger capabilities and a lasting tradition of service.
“Congratulations on 75 years, KNUST College of Engineering. We are moving from Excellence to Eminence. The best is still ahead,” he said.
The anniversary launch brought together traditional rulers, university leaders, government representatives and engineering professionals. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Akyamfoɔ Asafo Boakye Agyemang-Bonsu, Chairman of the KNUST University Council; Daasebre Osei Bonsu III, Paramount Chief of Asante Mampong; Prof. Christian Agyare, Vice-Chancellor of KNUST; Prof. Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko, Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor and Provost of the College of Engineering; and Dr. Frank Amoakohene, Ashanti Regional Minister.
Representing GhIE were its President, Ing. Ludwig Annang Hesse; Executive Director, Ing. Dr. Enyonam Kpekpena; and Ing. Joseph X. F. Ribeiro, Chair of GhIE Branch 1.
