Prioritise inauguration of key boards to restore efficiency and accountability – IET urges Mahama – Nsemkeka
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Ghana, has urged President John Mahama to fast-track the constitution and inauguration of key statutory boards to improve service delivery and ensure the smooth implementation of government policies across sectors.
Speaking to Adom News, IET President, Engr. Henry Kwadwo Boateng raised concerns about the prolonged delays in constituting several essential boards, particularly the Engineering Council Board, which regulates and licenses professional engineers in the country.
“Engineers are required to renew their licences annually, but without the Board in place, the process has stalled,” he said.
Under the standard procedure, applications for licensing are submitted to the Registrar of the Engineering Council and referred to the Board’s Licensing Committee for vetting and recommendations. Final approval rests with the full Board. However, with the Board yet to be inaugurated, the entire process has come to a standstill, creating a backlog of qualified engineers awaiting licensure.
Engr. Boateng warned that the current vacuum is not only disrupting regulatory functions but is also adversely affecting the profession at large.
He also cited the delay in constituting the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) Board as another area of concern, explaining that it is hampering the effective functioning of ministries, departments, agencies, and metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies (MMDAs), which depend on these boards for timely decision-making and policy implementation.
“The lack of these essential governance structures is creating unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks, slowing down public service delivery, and hampering the execution of government projects,” he stated.
The IET is, therefore, appealing to President Mahama to prioritise and accelerate the appointment and swearing-in of these critical boards. The association believes that restoring these bodies will significantly boost institutional efficiency, improve regulatory oversight, and support national development goals.
“The government must treat this matter with the urgency it deserves. Restoring these boards will enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in both the engineering sector and the public service at large,” Engr. Boateng concluded.