Accra: Oklepeme Nuer Annorbaa Sasraku II, the Paramount Chief of the Yilo Krobo Traditional Council, has urged the Licensed Surveyors Association of Ghana (LiSAG) to take decisive action against corrupt surveyors operating within the system. This call to action aims to foster better cooperation between the Association's members, traditional authorities, and the communities they serve.
According to Ghana News Agency, Oklepeme Sasraku II highlighted the issue of some surveyors conducting illicit activities, such as using lanterns and torchlights to survey lands at night. He stressed that failure to address these corrupt practices could undermine efforts to regulate surveying activities and compromise approvals from traditional leaders and community landowners. The Paramount Chief delivered these remarks at the Sixth Annual General Meeting and Seminar of LiSAG, held in Accra under the theme: 'Leveraging Base Maps for Urban Transformation and Economic Growth: The Licensed Surveyors' Role'.
The Chief emphasized the importance of acknowledging traditional authorities in land-related matters. He argued that achieving sustainable urban growth through base maps requires more than just technology and modernisation; it demands the development of sustainable structures. He also underscored the critical nature of land as an essential component of human existence and recommended a pragmatic approach to land management to promote city growth, industrialization, and economic benefits.
In a speech read on behalf of Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, the rapid growth of the nation's cities was highlighted, necessitating up-to-date spatial data for informed development decisions. The Minister noted that spatial planning is crucial for orderly urban projects and forms the basis for infrastructure development and public service improvements. He advocated for mapping transport infrastructure to enhance sustainable urban environments.
Mr Samuel Larbi Darko, President of LiSAG, recognized the vital role that surveyors play in shaping environmental development. He noted the Association's achievements, including an 18.38% increase in membership and partnerships with Chinese surveying manufacturers. However, he acknowledged that challenges remain and emphasized the need for innovation and collaboration in urban and economic development.
Base maps, offering essential spatial information, are fundamental in urban planning and economic development. They serve as the foundational framework for decision-making in urban transformation, allowing for detailed geographic data, land use plans, and infrastructure designs to be integrated.
