Accra: The Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS) has initiated the construction of a Centre of Excellence aimed at fostering professional growth, technological progress, and sustainable development within the surveying sector. The new facility, designed as a container building, will provide a sustainable and adaptable building solution and is expected to be completed within six months.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Centre is set to become a pivotal hub for professional development in areas such as alternative dispute resolution (ADR), value for money (VfM) auditing, and data processing. During the sod-cutting ceremony, Mr. Kofi Obeng-Ayirebi, President of GhIS, emphasized that this initiative marks a significant milestone for both the Institution and the surveying profession in Ghana, demonstrating a commitment to investing in knowledge, research, and capacity building to address the sector's evolving needs.
Mr. Obeng-Ayirebi highlighted that the Centre will play a crucial role in efficiently and professionally resolving disputes related to land, property, and construction, in line with the ADR Act, 2010 (Act 798) and GhIS ADR Centre rules. Additionally, the value for money advisory and project audit unit will evaluate public and private sector projects to ensure cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
The data processing hub within the Centre is envisioned as a repository and analysis facility for critical data concerning infrastructure costs, land values, and real estate markets, thereby supporting evidence-based policymaking and investment. Furthermore, the Centre will provide training to both emerging and seasoned professionals in ADR, project auditing, cost engineering, and data analytics, enhancing their expertise and capabilities.
Mr. Obeng-Ayirebi also reflected on GhIS's past achievements in conducting VfM audits on road contracts under the Sinohydro projects, land swap VfM analysis for the Kwabenya Police Barracks, and land redevelopment audits for housing of Superior Court Judges. He stressed that, while challenges abound, the Centre holds the potential to transform public service delivery, professional standards, and economic growth with the right resources and systems in place.
Mr. Kwame Governs Agbodza, Minister for Roads and Highways, acknowledged the challenges in quality of work, project costing, and contract efficacy within the road construction sector. He expressed optimism that the GhIS Centre of Excellence will be instrumental in training professionals in VfM auditing, thereby enhancing efficiency and professionalism in the sector.
Dr. Kwadwo Yeboah, CEO of the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority, representing Mr. Ahmed Banda, Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, urged GhIS to collaborate with local Assemblies in preparing base maps to prevent uncontrolled urban development by local surveyors.
The Ghana Institution of Surveyors, founded on February 28, 1969, during a General Meeting of the Ghana Branch of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, is committed to promoting best practices and innovation in the surveying profession through continuous professional development and service to its members and the public.
