The Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Dr Hilla Limann Technical University (DHLTU), Ing. Prof. Patrick Aaniamenga Bowan, has called on engineers and industry players to deploy smart technologies and innovative solutions to tackle environmental degradation and promote sustainable development.
Delivering an address during the 2026 World Engineering Day celebration in Wa, Prof. Bowan emphasized the need for the engineering community to move beyond discussions and focus on practical, technology-driven solutions that address pressing global and local challenges.
The event, jointly organised by the Upper West Regional Chapter of the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), Branch 5, and the Faculty of Engineering at DHLTU, was held under the theme: “Smart Engineering for a Sustainable Future through Innovation and Digitalisation.”
According to Prof. Bowan, the theme highlights the growing role of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and other digital tools in building resilient infrastructure and supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Addressing the issue of illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, he urged engineers to apply their expertise to develop smart engineering solutions to curb the menace, which continues to degrade the environment and endanger livelihoods.
According to him, addressing the galamsey menace requires shifting from reactive enforcement measures to proactive, technology-driven and sustainable engineering interventions capable of providing transparency, real-time monitoring and viable economic alternatives.
“Moving beyond theoretical discussions to implementing concrete, sustainable engineering solutions. Actionable sustainability in smart engineering represents a shift from theoretical, green-labelled projects to tangible, measurable, and data-driven initiatives that foster long-term environmental, social, and economic value,” Prof Bowan said.
Additionally, he highlighted the need for global collaboration among engineers and institutions to address climate change and infrastructure development challenges while supporting the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 9 which focuses on industry, innovation and infrastructure.
He urged them to master digital technologies such as digital twins, cultivate systems thinking, seek practical industry-linked experience, and develop strong ethical and environmental awareness.
Prof. Bowan also encouraged industry partners to integrate digital innovation with eco-conscious design by leveraging technologies such as AI-driven predictive maintenance, IoT for resource efficiency and digital twins to optimise operations and reduce waste.
The Pro Vice Chancellor of Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University (DHLTU), Prof Issah Baba called on students and engineers to embrace innovation, digitalisation, and responsible engineering practices to drive sustainable development and address global challenges.
“Engineering is not merely a profession; it is the backbone of human progress. “It represents the creative application of science and technology to tackle some of the most pressing issues confronting humanity, including climate change, clean energy, digital transformation, and food security,” the Pro Vice Chancellor stated.
According to him, technical universities play a unique role in preparing engineers who are capable of translating theoretical knowledge into practical solutions that benefit society.
“As a technical university, we do not just teach theory; we forge solutions. “Our responsibility is to train practitioners—engineers who are solution bearers rather than passive learners,” the Pro VC said.
World Engineering Day is celebrated globally to highlight the role of engineers in sustainable development and to promote engineering as a key driver of innovation and socio-economic progress.
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