The Western Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Nelson, has emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among institutions operating within Ghana's land and property sector. He described professional partnership as essential to sustainable national development. This call was made during the opening of the 40th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Valuation and Estate Surveying (VES) Division of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS) in Takoradi.
The conference theme, “Advancing Valuation and Estate Surveying Practice through Professional Collaboration for National Development,” reflects the growing need for professionals and institutions to work together in addressing challenges within Ghana's land and built environment. Hon. Nelson noted that valuation and estate surveying play a critical role in investment, taxation, compensation, public infrastructure, property management, and land administration.
The profession, according to Hon. Nelson, is indispensable to sound public policy and economic development. He observed that the Western Region's expanding investments in industry, commerce, housing, infrastructure, and tourism continue to increase the demand for credible professional advice on land and property matters. This demand underscores the importance of effective collaboration among stakeholders.
Hon. Nelson stressed that stronger collaboration among the Lands Commission, Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, financial institutions, traditional authorities, developers, and professional bodies would improve land administration, reduce disputes, enhance spatial planning, and provide greater certainty for investors and property owners. This multi-stakeholder approach is expected to bring about more efficient and transparent land management practices.
The Minister further urged practitioners to uphold the highest standards of integrity and embrace emerging technologies, including digital mapping, geographic information systems, and modern valuation methodologies. By adopting these technologies, practitioners can improve accuracy, efficiency, and transparency in their work. This, in turn, will enhance the credibility and reliability of land and property transactions.
The Chairman of the VES Division, Surv. Dr Benjamin Armah Quaye, FGhIS, welcomed participants and described the conference as more than a professional gathering. He noted that it marks four decades of learning, mentorship, institutional growth, and service to Ghana. The conference has been structured around practical discussions on innovation in valuation, real estate finance and investment, land governance, facilities management, and brokerage.
The conference aims to produce implementable recommendations that will strengthen professional practice and contribute meaningfully to national development. Surv. Dr Quaye urged participants to move beyond identifying challenges and focus on practical solutions, stronger partnerships, and measurable outcomes that would endure beyond the conference. The President of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors, Surv. Emmanuel Kofi Cobbold, FGhIS, also outlined a broad institutional reform agenda aimed at strengthening the surveying profession and enhancing its contribution to national development.
Key points
- Western Regional Minister calls for stronger collaboration among institutions in Ghana's land and property sector.
- The conference theme highlights the need for professionals and institutions to work together to address challenges in Ghana's land and built environment.
- Practitioners are urged to adopt emerging technologies to improve accuracy, efficiency, and transparency in land and property transactions.
