Koforidua: Local government service engineers have called for urgent reforms in logistics, permitting, and licensing to strengthen infrastructure delivery and public safety across the country’s Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). At the 3rd Annual General Meeting of the Local Government Service Engineers Association (LoGSEA), held at Ascension Hall in Koforidua, engineering leaders called for systemic reforms to enhance infrastructure delivery and prevent building failures in MMDAs.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ben Debrah, an engineer and National President of LoGSEA, opened the conference with a passionate appeal for logistical support and institutional recognition. He emphasized that engineering departments are the technical hub of the Assemblies, yet they lack the basic tools to operate effectively. Debrah highlighted issues such as the reliance on external consultants for project supervision while local engineers are left without essential resources like vehicles or training. He called on the Ministry of Local Government and the Office of the Head of Local Government Service to provide vehicles and training, especially for Assemblies that missed out on earlier distributions under the District Road Improvement Programme.
The call for reforms aligns with the government’s infrastructure and decentralization policies, which prioritize sustainable development and local governance empowerment. These priorities are reflected in initiatives such as the Urban Roads Improvement Project and the expansion of the District Development Facility. Mr. Isaac Bedu, Registrar of the Engineering Council, underscored the urgency of reform in light of recent infrastructure failures, including the collapse of a church roof in Teshie. He reminded engineers of their crucial role as frontline guardians of public safety, emphasizing the importance of every permit issued and inspection completed.
Bedu urged strict adherence to the Engineering Council Act 2011 (Act 819), Engineering Council Regulations 2020 (LI 2410), and the Building Regulations 2022 (LI 2465). He stressed that licensing is not merely a formality but a commitment to competence and accountability. Bedu encouraged the association to ensure that all members are properly licensed and to demand the same from stakeholders. Both speakers highlighted the need for a robust and streamlined permitting system.
The AGM also showcased LoGSEA’s growing international collaborations. Mr. Debrah announced the association’s invitation to the Global Conference for Sustainable Built Environment in South Africa, along with partnerships involving the Africa Continental Engineering and Construction Network, Reaco International, and the Institute of Project Management Professionals (IPMP-Ghana). The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to professionalism, teamwork, and knowledge sharing.