GhIE Ethics Lecture puts professional integrity at the heart of engineering excellence and public safety
Engineers must resist political and commercial pressure, uphold professional standards and put public safety ahead of personal interests, mining executive Ing Joshua Kwame Mortoti has warned, saying unethical decisions could endanger lives, undermine public trust and compromise Ghana’s development.
Engineering professionals gathered in Accra on October 29, 2026, for the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) Annual Ethics Lecture. The event, themed "The Engineer as a Steward of the Public Interest: Ethics, Sustainability and Infrastructure Delivery," focused on the critical role of engineers in ensuring public safety, sustainability, and responsible infrastructure development.
GhIE executive Joshua Kwame Mortoti delivered the keynote address, warning against the dangers of political and commercial pressures on engineering decisions. He emphasized that engineering must remain independent and guided by technical evidence, accountability, and established safety standards, regardless of external influences.
Mortoti urged engineers to prioritize safety over deadlines and to refuse approval when essential safety tests were incomplete. He shared examples of engineering failures resulting in loss of life, such as the Ahafo Mill Expansion project and Tarkwa operations, to underscore the importance of stringent safety management. The speaker called for enhanced supervision, effective risk management, and equal protection for both employees and contractors.
He also warned of the risks posed by corruption in procurement and inspection, which could lead to defective infrastructure, increased maintenance costs, and unreliable public services. Acknowledging Ghana’s ongoing challenges with urban drainage and flood resilience, as well as environmental degradation from illegal mining (galamsey), Mortoti stressed the need for engineers to integrate responsible planning, infrastructure maintenance, and environmental protection into project lifecycles.
The event was chaired by Efua Ghartey, President of the Ghana Bar Association, who urged professionals to prioritize integrity beyond mere legal compliance. GhIE President Ing Ludwig Annang Hesse echoed the call for ethical practice, highlighting that engineering success should be measured not only by completed projects but also by their safety, sustainability, and societal benefits.
He reminded members to uphold the Institution’s Constitution and Code of Ethics, especially when faced with financial pressures, tight deadlines, or powerful interests. The annual lecture, established in 2015, serves as a platform to promote ethical conduct, professional accountability, and the critical role of engineering in Ghana’s development.
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