The Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS) has decisively refuted claims suggesting that discrepancies in compensation claims and assessments automatically equate to professional misconduct or deliberate inflation of figures. This response, issued on August 21st, reflects a robust stance taken by the Institution, stemming from recent public discourse and specific allegations concerning road project compensation claims. GhIS emphasizes that the institution does not condone fraud, deliberate inflation of valuation evidence, or any form of professional misconduct.
GhIS detailed that differences between compensation claims and assessments are legitimate and arise from various factors, including the interests of the parties involved, the heads of claim, valuation methodology, market evidence, assumptions, consequential losses, and other contextual circumstances specific to each case. It stresses that each case must be examined on its individual facts and supporting evidence, adhering to established case law and professional standards.
The Institution further clarifies that persons affected by compulsory acquisition are constitutionally and legally entitled to fair and adequate compensation. It explicitly states that independent professional advice or challenging compensation assessments through appropriate administrative and legal channels is permitted. GhIS cites Article 20 of the 1992 Constitution and the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036) as foundational legal bases for these rights. The Institution also underscored the importance of valuers maintaining professional integrity by neither overstating nor understating compensation, insisting on verifiable evidence, applicable law, and recognized professional valuation standards.
GhIS acknowledges engagement with relevant authorities to investigate the allegations and is prepared to support an independent technical review of disputed assessments where necessary. The Institution has stated that any allegation against a member would be objectively considered, adhering to established disciplinary procedures and the principles of natural justice. The Institution reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the public interest, safeguarding the rights of persons affected by compulsory acquisition, and promoting transparent and evidence-based compensation valuation within Ghana’s framework.
In response to comments from Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, who suggested that the government was considering reporting two quantity surveyors to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) over alleged attempts to inflate compensation claims for properties affected by road projects, GhIS responded that the Institution has not been instructed to take such action. The Institution’s statement highlights a commitment to a thorough and impartial investigation, emphasizing that any allegations against a member would be objectively assessed in line with established disciplinary procedures.
The Institution also reiterated that professional integrity requires valuers to provide verifiable evidence, applicable law, and recognised professional valuation standards, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of compensation assessments. The institution is actively engaging with authorities to obtain particulars of the allegations and is prepared to support an independent technical review of disputed assessments. The statement underscores the importance of upholding transparency and evidence-based compensation valuation across Ghana’s legal framework.
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Source: MyJoyOnline
