The Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) has officially appointed a new executive director, marking a new phase of leadership for the country’s leading professional engineering body. Dr. Enyonam Kpekpena has taken over from Ing. Samuel Magnus Asiedu, who served in an acting capacity for 10 months following the departure of Ing. David Kwatia Nyante.
The handing-over ceremony was held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the Engineering Centre in Roman Ridge, Accra. It was presided over by GhIE President, Ing. Ludwig Annang Hesse, who described the appointment as a milestone for the institution’s progress.
At the event, Ing. Hesse expressed appreciation to the outgoing Acting executive director, Ing. Samuel Magnus Asiedu, for his dedication and service. Under his stewardship, the institution recorded several achievements, including:
• Streamlining of the accounts unit.
• Recruitment of two new directors.
• Successful organization of the GhIE Engineering Conference and Annual General Meeting.
• Inauguration of the GhIE Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre.
• Remodeling and refurbishment of the GhIE e-Library.
His leadership also brought significant improvements to the institution’s financial stability. Colleagues and members lauded his achievements, recognizing his contributions as crucial to the institution’s growth.
Ing. Hesse emphasized that the role of an executive director is a “sacrificial job,” requiring dedication and service to the profession. He also thanked the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) for seconding Dr. Kpekpena to the role, underscoring that her selection was based on competence rather than gender.
Words of Transition and Commitment
In his farewell address, Ing. Asiedu described his tenure as both an honor and a privilege. He expressed gratitude to the Council, staff, and members for their collaboration and pledged his support to the new leadership.
“I am delighted to hand over to Dr. Enyonam Kpekpena, a visionary leader whose experience and passion will undoubtedly propel GhIE forward,” he stated.
Accepting her new role as executive director, Dr. Kpekpena pledged to continue building on the solid foundation laid by her predecessors. She stressed her commitment to advancing excellence, innovation, and service.
“As I take over, I am mindful of the vision and sacrifices of those who have led before me. Their contributions have made GhIE a respected professional body that influences policy, drives engineering excellence, and promotes innovation. This position is not just a personal honor but a call to service—service to our members, our profession, and our country,” she said.
The appointment of Dr. Kpekpena was warmly welcomed, particularly by Women in Engineering (WinE) Ghana. The President of WinE, Ing. Jane Naki Tetteh-Anowie, described her as a mentor, trailblazer, and inspiration for women in the profession.
GhIE President-Elect, Ing. Sophia Tijani, also pledged her full support, emphasizing that within WinE, women stand united in uplifting one another. She dismissed stereotypes that women undermine each other, saying Dr. Kpekpena’s leadership represents progress for all.
In her acceptance speech, Dr. Kpekpena expressed gratitude to her family, colleagues, and mentors. She thanked her husband, Ing. Kwame Kpekpena, her mother Madam Josephine Matanawui, her sisters, and members of WinE Ghana for their encouragement. She also acknowledged ECG for allowing her to serve GhIE on secondment.
Dr. Kpekpena has pledged to ensure GhIE continues to shape national policies, promote engineering standards, and drive technological advancement. Her vision is to strengthen the institution’s influence in national development while creating opportunities for professional growth.
The appointment of Dr. Enyonam Kpekpena as the new executive director of GhIE marks a fresh chapter in the institution’s history. Backed by competence, vision, and strong support from the engineering community, her leadership promises to build on past achievements while steering the institution toward greater influence and innovation.
