Surveyors urged to use cutting-edge geospatial tech, cost-estimation methods… to help build resilient cities
The Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS) has launched the 20th Surveyors’ Week and its 56th Annual General Meeting (AGM) with a strong call for innovation and professionalism in the industry.
Speaking at the press conference to mark the event, the President of GhIS, Dr Anthony Arko Adjei, highlighted the crucial role surveyors play in Ghana’s economic and infrastructural growth.
He emphasised the need for professionals in the field to embrace modern technology, enhance land governance, and contribute to sustainable development.
The theme for this year’s event: ‘Harnessing and Projecting Surveying Competencies: A Catalyst for Opportunities,’ underscores the importance of surveying expertise in shaping Ghana’s infrastructure, real estate, and environmental sustainability.
The President stressed that surveyors were key players in land administration, urban planning, property taxation, and environmental conservation, “With about 80 per cent of legal disputes in Ghana related to land conflicts,” he said, adding that “there is a need for better land governance.”
He called for digital land records, transparent policies, and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in order to help reduce disputes and improve efficiency.
According to Dr Adjei, as Ghana’s urban population was expected to exceed 65 per cent by 2030, he urged surveyors to use cutting-edge geospatial technologies and cost-estimation methods to help build resilient cities.
He also pointed out that proper property taxation was critical for local revenue generation, adding that Surveyors had a key role in designing fair and efficient taxation models to support municipal development.
The President also expressed concern about illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, which continued to cause severe environmental degradation.
He explained that surveyors provide crucial data for land reclamation, environmental impact assessments, and sustainable land management.
Dr Adjei urged authorities to rely on their expertise to combat the damage caused by illegal mining.
Another major issue he raised was the challenge of cost estimation and budgeting in public projects, and noted that inaccurate budgeting had led to project delays and financial mismanagement.
He assured the public that surveyors would help ensure precise budgeting, value-for-money assessments, and financial accountability to enhance project efficiency.
In furtherance, the President encouraged surveyors to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) and geospatial technologies to improve data accuracy, efficiency, and decision-making, adding that digital transformation and continuous learning were necessary to keep up with industry advancements.
He also emphasized GhIS’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with key government agencies such as the Lands Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resource, to enhance the impact of the surveying profession on national policy and infrastructure planning.
The President called for the passage of the Surveying Council Bill, which seeks to establish a regulatory framework to maintain professional standards, eliminate unqualified practitioners, and uphold the integrity of the industry.
BY AGNES OPOKU SARPONG
