Richard Ben Debrah, Head of the Works Department at the Tema West Municipal Assembly in Ghana, has been recognized with the distinguished title of African Ambassador for Infrastructure Development and Engineering Excellence. This esteemed accolade, presented at the 2025 African Ambassadorial Title Conference and Awards in Nairobi, Kenya, acknowledges Debrah’s substantial contributions to sustainable infrastructure development and the advancement of engineering practices within Ghana and throughout the African continent. The award ceremony drew a prominent assembly of African diplomats, public officials, engineering professionals, and delegates from various nations, including Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Belarus, highlighting the significance of Debrah’s achievements within the broader African context. Engedaye Eshete, leader of the Equal Trade Women Alliance of Ethiopia, formally conferred the award upon Debrah, symbolizing the collaborative and cross-national recognition of his work.
The African Ambassadorial Title Awards not only celebrated Debrah’s accomplishments but also recognized other visionaries who are driving innovation and ethical progress across diverse sectors on the African continent. The selection process involved a rigorous evaluation of nominees based on their contributions to sustainability, leadership integrity, innovative approaches, and community-focused initiatives. Debrah emerged from a highly competitive pool of candidates, demonstrating the exceptional quality and impact of his work. The awards underscore the growing emphasis on sustainable development, ethical leadership, and community impact as critical pillars of progress in Africa. The recognition of individuals like Debrah serves to inspire and encourage further advancements in these crucial areas.
Upon receiving the award, Debrah emphasized the pivotal role that engineers play in shaping Africa’s future, highlighting their contribution to sustainable economic growth and regional development through infrastructure advancements. He stressed the importance of engineers taking the lead in ensuring that infrastructure projects are not only technically sound but also contribute to the long-term well-being of communities and the environment. This perspective underscores the increasing awareness of the interconnectedness between engineering, economic development, and sustainability in the African context. Debrah’s statement reflects a growing movement within the engineering profession to embrace a more holistic and responsible approach to development.
Debrah, who also serves as the National President of the Local Government Service Engineers Association of Ghana, further called upon his fellow engineers across Africa to prioritize ethical practices, forward-thinking design principles, and long-term sustainability in their professional endeavors. This call to action highlights the importance of professional integrity and a commitment to sustainable practices within the engineering field. It emphasizes the responsibility of engineers to consider the broader societal and environmental implications of their work, promoting a more conscious and responsible approach to infrastructure development. Debrah’s leadership in this area serves as an inspiration for aspiring engineers and reinforces the importance of ethical conduct and sustainable practices within the profession.
Dr. Baroness Paulette Kporo, CEO of the awards organization, commended Debrah’s contributions to grassroots development and his impact on advancing engineering standards at the national level. She emphasized that Debrah embodies the very essence of the African Ambassadorial Title Awards, recognizing his unwavering commitment to professional excellence and community transformation as exemplary leadership qualities crucial for Africa’s progress. Kporo’s statement further reinforces the significance of Debrah’s work, highlighting its impact not only within Ghana but also as a model for other African nations striving for sustainable and inclusive development. The recognition from such a prominent figure further validates Debrah’s contributions and underscores his influence within the broader development community.
Debrah’s influence extends beyond Ghana’s borders, impacting policy, innovation, and engineering standards across the continent. His work lays the foundation for sustainable and inclusive development throughout Africa, demonstrating the potential for individual contributions to have far-reaching positive effects. By dedicating the award to the Tema West Municipal Assembly, the Local Government Service Engineers Association of Ghana, and the Ghana Institution of Engineers, Debrah acknowledges the collective effort and support that have contributed to his success. This gesture reflects his humility and emphasizes the collaborative nature of progress in the field of engineering and infrastructure development. Debrah’s recognition serves as a testament to the power of dedication, vision, and collaborative effort in driving positive change across Africa.
