Assert your relevance in nation’s devt - Lands Minister to surveyors

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has urged survey professionals to assert their relevance in Ghana’s socioeconomic and governance space. 

“The surveying profession is evolving, and so must you. Emerging technologies like AI, big data, drones and blockchain are revolutionising the way you work.

“Drones and LiDAR technology are making data collection faster and more accurate. Blockchain is transforming land registries, reducing fraud and enhancing transparency,” he said.

The minister further said that: “As governments and private developers invest in urban planning, surveyors are needed to design digital mapping systems that integrate geospatial data with the ‘Internet of Things’.

“This is your chance to lead the way in real-time monitoring of urban expansion and resource utilisation,” he added.

Mr Armah-Kofi Buah was addressing the 20th Surveyors Week and 56th Annual General Meeting of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors in Accra yesterday.

The minister also advised them to adopt and utilise alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism to resolve issues of dispute in land matters.

“Our courts are overwhelmed with land disputes, and the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036) provides for ADR mechanisms.

“I, therefore, urge you to acquire some ADR skills and use your technical expertise to resolve disputes efficiently. This will not only speed up development but also boost investor confidence in the country,” he said.

Significance

The President of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors, Dr Anthony Arko-Adjei, said “surveying remains the backbone of national development”, adding that “from infrastructure planning, boundary demarcation and land administration, to real estate valuation and construction cost management, our expertise ensures sustainable growth.

“As noted by the World Bank, over 70 per cent of global wealth is held in land and real estate, underscoring the critical role of surveyors in managing and safeguarding these assets,” he added.

Dr Arko-Adjei said in Ghana, land disputes accounted for nearly 80 per cent of cases in the courts, by the accounts of the Lands Commission.

“This statistic highlights the urgent need for improved land administration, professional valuation and accurate spatial data management, areas in which our profession excels,” he said.

Regulatory framework

Dr Arko-Adjei also said that the lack of a regulatory framework governing the surveying profession had led to a myriad of problems, posing significant challenges to the country's development and infrastructure growth. 

“For over 25 years, the Ghana Institution of Surveyors has been tirelessly advocating the passage of the Surveying Council Bill, emphasising its pivotal role in regulating the surveying profession, eliminating unqualified practitioners, and safeguarding the integrity of our noble profession,” he added.

The president, therefore, called for the support and collaboration of the government as well as all relevant stakeholders to help drive this initiative forward and bring the Survey Council Bill to fruition.