The Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS) has issued a statement addressing recent allegations concerning compensation claims linked to road projects, asserting a firm stance against attributing fraudulent activity solely to individual surveyors. The statement, issued on August 21, 2026, acknowledges the Minister for Roads and Highways’s report to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) regarding alleged attempts to inflate compensation for properties affected by road construction. The Minister revealed that the government intends to investigate two surveyors suspected of encouraging project-affected persons to reject government valuations and to offer significantly higher compensation amounts than state-approved assessments, citing substantial financial costs and delays in road project execution as key contributing factors. GhIS, however, maintains that it does not condone fraud, deliberate inflation of valuation evidence, or any other form of professional misconduct. The Institution’s statement, dated August 21, 2026, clarifies that where credible evidence of misconduct is established against a member, the GhIS applies its established disciplinary procedures, including referral to statutory authorities, in accordance with due process.
This process involves a thorough examination of the facts and supporting evidence, meticulously evaluating the case’s context and the relevant circumstances. GhIS further emphasizes that individuals whose property is subject to compulsory acquisition have a fundamental right to fair and adequate compensation, as enshrined in Article 20 of the 1992 Constitution and the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036). The Institution stresses that a gap between a landowner’s claim and government’s valuation assessment does not automatically equate to evidence of professional misconduct.
Instead, the GhIS statement details that differences in compensation claims and independent valuations are legitimate outcomes arising from various factors, including the specific interests of the affected parties, the nature of the claim, the valuation methodologies employed, the availability of market data, and assumptions made. GhIS highlights that each case must be examined individually and supported by verifiable evidence.
The Institution has affirmed its commitment to engaging the relevant authorities to obtain further details regarding the allegations and is prepared to support an independent technical review of any disputed assessments. The Minister for Roads and Highways has stated that the Institution will be investigating two surveyors suspected of influencing property owners to demand increased compensation, indicating a proactive approach to address the situation. The GhIS stated that any allegation against a member will be considered objectively and in accordance with the Institution’s established disciplinary processes and the principles of natural justice.
Furthermore, the statement reiterates the Institution’s objective to protect the public interest, defend the rights of those affected by compulsory land acquisition, and promote transparent, evidence-based compensation valuation within Ghana’s land administration framework, leveraging established standards of professional valuation.
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Source: Adom Online
