Engage professional surveyors to accelerate national infrastructural devt — GhIS President
The President of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS), Kofi Obeng-Ayirebi, has emphasised the need for surveyors to be fully engaged in the nation's infrastructural development to promote more lasting infrastructure to accelerate national growth.
Speaking during a working visit to the Central Regional branch of the institution at the Cape Coast Technical University last Monday, Mr Obeng-Ayirebi stressed that surveyors possessed the technical knowledge to guide development appropriately, to remove deficiencies that often led to structural mistakes.
However, he said professional surveyors were often left out of critical decision-making processes concerning structural development.
“Many people begin building without ever seeing a surveyor. That is why we end up with collapsed buildings and land disputes,” he stated.
“We know what type of structure to put up, and where. If we are serious about national development, then the services of surveyors must be respected and prioritised,” he added.
Participants
The meeting, which brought together surveyors, students and professionals from the Lands Commission and the Department of Feeder Roads across the Central Region, formed part of his nationwide engagement strategy to strengthen ties between national leadership and the various regional branches of the GhIS.
Mr Obeng-Ayirebi stressed the need for the public to engage the services of professional surveyors in building and land-related projects to prevent the recurrence of collapsed buildings and land disputes across the country.
CR key partner
Mr Obeng-Ayirebi described the Central Region as a key partner in Ghana’s professional and educational advancement and commended the local branch for its dedication to the growth of the profession and the association.
“This visit is not ceremonial. It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to inclusiveness, decentralisation, and collaboration. Every region has a vital role to play in shaping the future of surveying in Ghana,” he said.
He outlined several national initiatives being pursued by the GhIS, including the advocacy for the swift passage of the Surveying Council Bill to regulate and protect the interests of professionals and the public in land and property cases.
Digital transformation/others
He also emphasised the importance of digital transformation, visibility, structured capacity-building programmes, value-for-money auditing, and data management and the establishment of a Centre of Excellence to train members in specialised areas such as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
He further announced a new zonal approach aimed at improving coordination and participation across regions, and encouraged members to actively support this structure.
The event also served as a platform to swear in four regional executives who have been steering the affairs of the Central Regional branch for almost two years.
Mr Obeng-Ayirebi commended the regional executives for their leadership and dedication and urged all members to support their efforts to strengthen the institution in the region.
Gender imbalance
A member of the GhIS Governing Council, Priscilla Donkoh, for her part, highlighted the critical gender imbalance in the profession.
She observed that many women tend to shy away from surveying and land-related careers, despite the growing opportunities in the sector.
“Women should not shy away from this noble profession,” she said.
“We need more women in surveying. I encourage our young girls to learn hard and take up leadership positions whenever they are offered. Do not shrink back or feel intimidated, you belong here too,” she added.
Members pledged their unity, professionalism and commitment to excellence in serving the land and development needs of the country.
The Central Regional Chairman, Samuel Kojo Mould, urged members to be committed to the association and to honour their obligations for the growth of the association.
