Land Surveyors and Geomatic Engineers are advocating for a significant strengthening of collaboration across the entire land and environmental landscape of Ghana. The sector highlights a pressing need to address multifaceted challenges including escalating flooding, illegal mining, unplanned settlements, and persistent land disputes, all of which are exacerbated by a lack of coordinated action. The call was made at the 2026 Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors, held in Accra, spearheaded by Chairman Surveyor Professor Prosper B. Laari, who emphasized that professional isolation is hindering effective problem-solving.
The conference theme focused on cross-disciplinary collaboration, encompassing the Land Surveying, Quantity Surveying, and Valuation and Estate Surveying divisions. Professor Laari explained that the collaboration cuts across critical areas, directly impacting the nation’s core interests. Specifically, problems such as flooding often expose the consequences of poor coordination among institutions, as evidenced by the recent exposure of fault lines in flood zones. He stated, “If we talk about a flood, every institution can defend what they are doing, but because we haven’t put it together, we may not be able to identify where the fault lines are,” he said.
He further elaborated that the various divisions of the Institution would utilize their conferences and seminars to engage professionals outside their immediate practice, fostering identification of gaps and practical solutions for national benefit. Professor Laari urged surveyors to embrace emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and remote sensing, to significantly improve the accuracy, speed, and efficiency of land administration. He stressed that reliable spatial data is increasingly vital for national development, especially as Ghana grapples with rapid urbanisation, environmental degradation, and intense competition for land resources. The effective use of technology can empower decision-makers with accurate information needed for planning and management, he explained.
The Ghana Institution of Surveyors is intensifying its call for legislation to regulate the surveying profession. President of the Institution, Surv. Emmanuel Kofi Cobblah, said the proposed legislation would establish a statutory council with legal authority to regulate practitioners. He noted that although the Institution currently regulates its members on a voluntary basis, it lacks the legal power to prevent unqualified individuals from offering surveying services. The absence of a statutory regulatory framework has created significant risks, as advances in technology have made it possible for untrained individuals to acquire surveying equipment and present themselves as qualified surveyors. Surv. Cobblah warned that this could have serious consequences for land administration and property ownership. He pointed out that improperly prepared site plans and inaccurate spatial data can lead to people believing they own parcels of land when the information on their documents does not accurately represent the property’s location or boundaries. This inaccuracy can trigger costly and protracted land disputes. The problem extends beyond private land transactions, he added, because surveying information is also used for development planning, national boundaries, and other strategic decisions.
Surv. Cobblah emphasized that professional surveying is directly connected to national security and sovereignty. He cited the Ghana-Côte d’Ivoire maritime boundary dispute as an example, highlighting the importance of accurate surveying and mapping, noting that surveyors and their maps played a crucial role in establishing Ghana’s position. He also emphasized the work of land surveyors with the National Boundary Commission, stating that professional regulation is necessary to minimize risks associated with Ghana’s international boundaries. He concluded, “Our surveyors are with the National Boundary Commission helping so that it minimizes all the risk along the boundaries,” he said.
He disclosed that the proposed legislation had been taken to Cabinet and approved, paving the way for it to proceed to Parliament. Surv. Cobblah said the sector had received assurances from the sector Minister that efforts would be made to transform the proposed bill into an Act during his tenure. He stated that the bill had been taken to Cabinet and approved, signifying a significant step forward, and that the sector had received assurances from the sector Minister that efforts would be made to transform the proposed bill into an Act during his tenure. The Ghana Institution of Surveyors President stressed that the push for legislation is not primarily about protecting the interests of existing professionals. Rather, he said, it is about protecting the public, the integrity of Ghana’s spatial data, and the country’s national interests. He explained that under a statutory system, practitioners who fail to meet professional standards could face sanctions, including the loss of their license to practice.
Chairperson of the Land Surveying Division, Dr Tina Wemegah, also stressed the need for greater cooperation among professionals in the built environment. She said coordinated efforts would help shape the future of Ghana’s spatial development and ensure that land and other natural resources are managed more effectively. The surveyors believe that combining professional expertise, modern technology, and stronger regulation will help Ghana make better decisions about its most valuable and contested resource – land.”
Surv. Cobblah underscored that the push for legislation is not primarily about protecting the interests of existing professionals. Rather, he said, it is about protecting the public, the integrity of Ghana’s spatial data, and the country’s national interests. He explained that under a statutory system, practitioners who fail to meet professional standards could face sanctions, including the loss of their license to practice. For him, effective regulation is long overdue. ‘For those of us who are almost done practicing, we don’t need a law in a sense, but it is not for our personal benefit. It’s for the good of the nation that we are clamoring for.’ Surv. Cobblah concluded, “For a country facing increasing urbanisation, environmental pressures, and land-related conflicts, they say collaboration can no longer be optional but must become a central pillar of national development.” “I’ll consider review — Oppong Nkrumah hints at next move after Supreme Court dismisses injunction” “GoldBod losses: Afenyo-Markin vows to pursue issue despite attacks”
Watch Related Video
Source: Adom Online
