He said everybody should find space to contribute to the fight to stop the alarming land degradation, pollution of water bodies and depletion of the forest through illegal mining and logging.

He was opening the annual conference and general meeting of the Ghana Institute Engineers in Sunyani, the Brong-Ahafo Regional capital. “Ghana’s natural resources and sustainable development – the role of the engineer”, was the theme chosen for this year’s event.

Mr. Osafo-Maafo spoke of the government’s unwavering commitment to tackle head-on illegal mining and asked for strong backing of the people. It would work with the Institute and other professional bodies to restore degraded lands, polluted rivers and streams.

The Senior Minister urged the Institute to lead the nation’s development by adding value to the primary products. He indicated that the engineers had vital role to play in the implementation of the government’s one district, one factory policy – to put the nation on the path of sustainable development and create jobs.

He noted that every district across the country had a primary product, which the technical engineer could help to add value. Mr. Osafo-Maafo encouraged the Institute to collaborate with the National Accreditation Board and other bodies to certify programmes of education relevant to engineering practice.  It should also enforce professional standards, conduct and ethics by firmly exercising it disciplinary powers.