Engr. Wonder Davor Salami Sworn In as IET-GH President: Vision for Engineering-Driven National Development in Ghana

Published: November 28, 2025

Introduction

In a pivotal moment for Ghana’s engineering sector, Engr. Wonder Davor Salami was officially sworn in as the new President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana (IET-GH). This ceremony, held amid a gathering of prominent engineers and industry stakeholders, heralds a renewed commitment to elevating engineering standards across the nation. Engr. Salami’s acceptance speech outlined a bold agenda to address critical challenges like deteriorating infrastructure and underutilized local expertise, positioning IET-GH as a proactive force in Ghana’s development.

What does this leadership transition mean for aspiring engineers, infrastructure projects, and national policy? This article explores the event, its implications, and actionable insights, optimized for those searching for “IET-GH President inauguration,” “Engr. Wonder Davor Salami leadership,” and “engineering reforms Ghana.”

Analysis

The swearing-in of Engr. Wonder Davor Salami as IET-GH President represents more than a routine leadership change; it signals a strategic shift toward assertive engineering advocacy in Ghana. IET-GH, a professional body affiliated with the global Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), plays a crucial role in promoting ethical practices, continuous professional development, and policy influence within Ghana’s engineering community.

Context of Ghana’s Engineering Challenges

Ghana faces persistent issues such as collapsing buildings, poorly maintained roads, and heavy reliance on foreign contractors for major projects. These problems stem from inadequate enforcement of engineering standards and limited local content in infrastructure initiatives. Engr. Salami’s address directly confronts these, emphasizing the need for engineers to transition from passive observers to active influencers.

Leadership Style and Strategic Priorities

Unlike ceremonial roles in some professional bodies, Engr. Salami framed his presidency as a “call to action.” His focus on accountability, digital modernization, and stakeholder collaboration aligns with global best practices seen in bodies like the UK’s IET, adapted to Ghana’s context of rapid urbanization and economic growth.

Summary

The inauguration event was attended by key figures in Ghana’s engineering fraternity, including the outgoing President, Engr. Henry Kwadwo Boateng. Engr. Salami expressed gratitude to his predecessor, acknowledged rival candidates—Engr. Dr. George Eduful, Engr. Prof. Mike Agbesi Acheampong, and Engr. Dr. Surv. Gyamera—and pledged a transformative tenure. He committed IET-GH to upholding standards, enforcing relevant laws, modernizing operations, and fostering youth engagement, all while urging bolder participation in national infrastructure planning.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For engineers, students, and policymakers inspired by Engr. Wonder Davor Salami’s vision, here are actionable steps rooted in his commitments and best practices for advancing engineering leadership in Ghana.

For Individual Engineers

Join IET-GH membership drives and participate in ethics training to build credentials under Act 819. Advocate for local content by volunteering expertise on public projects, and leverage digital tools like IET-GH’s upcoming platforms for CPD (Continuing Professional Development) courses.

For Students and Young Professionals

Engage with IET-GH’s modernization initiatives by attending webinars and hackathons. Pursue certifications aligned with L.I. 2410 to enhance employability in infrastructure sectors.

For Government and Stakeholders

Implement maintenance protocols for roads and buildings, integrating a National Roads Asset Management System using GIS technology for real-time monitoring. Mandate IET-GH audits in project tenders to ensure compliance.

Points of Caution

Engr. Salami highlighted several red flags in Ghana’s engineering landscape that demand vigilance:

• Poorly Maintained Infrastructure: Roads and buildings degrade due to neglect, risking public safety and economic losses.
• Outsourcing Without Local Input: Major projects often bypass Ghanaian engineers, stifling capacity building.
• Underutilized Local Expertise: Talented professionals remain sidelined, perpetuating dependency on imports.
• Breaches of Standards: Non-compliance with engineering codes leads to failures like structural collapses.

Engineers must report violations promptly to bodies like the Engineering Council of Ghana to prevent escalation.

Comparison

Compared to Engr. Henry Kwadwo Boateng’s tenure, which laid foundational groundwork for IET-GH’s growth, Engr. Salami’s approach is markedly proactive. Boateng focused on stability and membership expansion, while Salami prioritizes enforcement and digital transformation—mirroring evolutions in peer institutions like Nigeria’s NSE (Nigerian Society of Engineers).

Incoming vs. Outgoing Priorities

This shift addresses Ghana’s accelerating infrastructure needs amid GDP growth targets.

Legal Implications

Engr. Salami’s pledges carry significant legal weight, centered on two key instruments:

Act 819: Engineering Council Act, 2011

This legislation establishes the Engineering Council of Ghana (ECG) to regulate the profession, set standards, and license practitioners. IET-GH’s advocacy for full implementation ensures only qualified engineers handle public works, reducing risks of malpractice.

L.I. 2410: Engineering Council Regulations

Legislative Instrument 2410 provides detailed rules on professional conduct, ethics, and practice. Enforcement, as pledged, mandates registration, audits, and penalties for violations, fostering integrity in projects like roads and energy infrastructure.

Non-compliance exposes firms to fines, project halts, and liability under Ghanaian law, making IET-GH’s role indispensable for legal adherence.

Conclusion

Engr. Wonder Davor Salami’s inauguration as IET-GH President marks a turning point for engineering leadership in Ghana. By championing accountability, modernization, and legal enforcement, he aims to build a resilient sector that drives national progress. Engineers, policymakers, and stakeholders must unite under this vision to transform challenges into opportunities, ensuring infrastructure supports Ghana’s sustainable development goals. As Salami urged, “Together, let us build a stronger IET-GH and a Ghana where engineering truly transforms lives.”

For updates on IET-GH initiatives, follow official channels and engage in membership activities.

FAQ

Sources

• Life Pulse Daily: “Engr. Wonder Davor Salami sworn in as IET-GH President” (Published November 28, 2025).
• Institution of Engineering and Technology Ghana (IET-GH) official announcements.
• Engineering Council of Ghana: Act 819 and L.I. 2410 documentation (verifiable via official gazette).
• Ghana Highways Authority reports on infrastructure maintenance needs.