Professor Douglas Boateng GhIE Engineering Academic Excellence Awards: A legacy of excellence and a vision for the future

The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) and the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) have officially launched the Professor Douglas Boateng GhIE Engineering Academic Excellence Awards, a transformative initiative aimed at celebrating academic brilliance and inspiring the next generation of engineers.

Funded by globally renowned engineer, social entrepreneur, academic and governance thought leader – Prof. Douglas Boateng, this award represents a bold step toward fostering a culture of excellence in Engineering education and empowering the leaders of tomorrow.

A vision for progress

This landmark initiative is more than just an awards programme. It is a celebration of potential, a call to action and a commitment to building a better future for Ghana and Africa. By recognising top-performing Engineering students, the awards shine light on the importance of education, innovation and determination in shaping the nation’s development trajectory.

Commenting on the pioneering event, Prof. Douglas Boateng shared his belief in the power of nurturing talent. “Education is the cornerstone of progress. By celebrating academic excellence today, we empower the next generation to build solutions for the challenges of tomorrow. Ghana’s future lies in the hands of its youth, and their success is the nation’s success.”

Encouragment and aspiration

The awards, which will expand nationally in the coming years, aim to recognise and reward Ghana’s most promising Engineering talent. They serve as both a motivation for students to strive for excellence and a reminder of the critical role engineers play in driving progress.

The Vice Chancellor of UMaT, Prof. Richard Kwasi Amankwah, expressed his excitement about the initiative: “This award inspires students to aim higher and see themselves as part of a greater purpose, building Ghana and Africa. It tells our young engineers that their hard work, commitment and innovation are valued and that their efforts will shape our collective future”.

Building for the future

The awards are deeply aligned with the long-term vision of Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE). The  President of GhIE, Ing. Kwabena Bempong, commended Prof. Boateng for his vision and commitment. “On behalf of the Ghana Institution of Engineering, I want to sincerely thank Professor Douglas Boateng for his forward-thinking initiatives. His vision is not just about today; it is about laying a foundation for a better Ghana and Africa for current and future generations. This initiative is a reflection of his passion, purpose and dedication to excellence and national development.”

A national movement

While the inaugural awards focus on UMaT, the vision is to take the programme nationwide within a few years, creating a platform to celebrate engineering talent across Ghana. By doing so, the initiative will inspire thousands of young students to pursue engineering careers and contribute to solving the nation’s most pressing challenges, from infrastructure to industrial innovation.

A catalyst for change

The awards programme is a testament to the transformative power of recognising and celebrating excellence. It sends a clear message: Ghana and the rest of Africa’s future depends on the brilliance of its youth and the dedication of those who invest in their potential. Engineering is not just a profession; it is a calling to build, innovate and lead. By funding these awards, Prof. Boateng reinforces his belief in the power of education and mentorship to create lasting impact.

Conclusion

The Professor Douglas Boateng GhIE Engineering Academic Excellence Awards is more than an event; it is a movement to inspire, empower and celebrate the future of Ghana. It reflects a shared commitment to excellence, innovation and progress, laying the groundwork for a nation built on the strength of its engineers.

As this initiative grows into a national platform, it will continue to inspire young engineers to dream big, work hard and lead with purpose. With leaders like Prof. Douglas Boateng and organisations like GhIE and UMaT championing this cause, the future of engineering in Ghana looks brighter than ever.

In the words of Prof. Boateng, “we are planting seeds of excellence today, so Ghana and Africa can harvest the fruits of innovation and progress tomorrow. The journey is long, but the future is ours to shape”.

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