The School of Sustainable Engineering (SSE) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has joined the global community to celebrate the 2026 UNESCO World Engineering Day, turning the spotlight on the transformative power of innovation and digitalization.
The celebration, held under the theme “Smart Engineering for a Sustainable Future through Innovation and Digitalization,” aimed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world impact by inspiring Senior High School (SHS) students to explore engineering pathways.
Breaking the “Male-Dominated” Myth
A major highlight of the advocacy event was the call to dismantle long-standing gender stereotypes in the field. Ing. Mrs. Mercy Akyaa Payne, the Central Regional Director of the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), delivered a stirring challenge to young girls to pursue engineering careers.
Dismantling Fear: She advised students to disregard the outdated notion that engineering is “difficult and rigid”.
A Field for Women: Mrs. Payne emphasized that engineering is an “interesting field for women to explore, create, think, and invent” rather than a “demigod” sector reserved for men.
National Impact: Female engineers enjoy the pride of improving their personal lives while simultaneously transforming the fortunes of their communities and the nation.
Prof. L.K Sam Amoah, the event chairman, echoed these sentiments, urging female students to embrace the discipline and defy societal stereotyping.
Engineering as a Tool for Global Goals
The dialogue underscored that engineering is the backbone of global development. Visiting Professor Floriana La Marca from the University of Bologna, Italy, noted that every one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can be advanced through engineering.
Character-Led Leadership: Prof. La Marca looked forward to a generation of engineers who are influential leaders, stressing that “good character” is essential for young engineers to initiate change in their environments.
Sustainable Development: Prof. Peter Appiah Obeng, Dean of SSE, highlighted the day as a crucial platform to raise awareness about the role of engineering in sustainable development.
Empowering the Next Generation
The “Talk Show” format specifically targeted SHS students from the Cape Coast Metropolis, as well as current students from UCC and the Cape Coast Technical University. The event provided a rare opportunity for aspiring engineers to interact directly with experts, helping to sensitize them to the vast contributions engineers make to society.
Prof. Rofela Combey, Provost of the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, concluded by highlighting the profound impact engineers have in enhancing the quality of life worldwide.
