Accra, Ghana – The Licensed Surveyors Association of Ghana (LiSAG) has marked a substantial milestone, celebrating 20 years of dedication to enhancing sustainable land management and national development.
The anniversary celebration, themed “Twenty Years of Impact: Licensed Surveyors as Pillars of Sustainable Land Management and National Development,” highlighted the association’s commitment to advancing knowledge, shaping policy, and ensuring secure land tenure.
Two Decades of Growth and Impact
Over the past two decades, LISAG has achieved significant growth in transforming geospatial data collection through strategic partnerships with key stakeholders. Notably, the association has allied with the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA) on public-private partnerships, driving local development and promoting efficient land administration.
LiSAG’s accomplishments have also been distinguished by the establishment of its modern office complex in Labone, Accra. The organization has invested in capacity building, training programs, and logistics to support its members. Additionally, a groundbreaking partnership with Chinese firms has enabled Licensed Surveyors to access modern surveying tools on a hire-purchase basis, strengthening their ability to deliver high-quality services.
Commitment to Transparency and Development
The association’s dedication to stakeholder participation is evident in its collaboration with institutions such as the Lands Commission and the Judiciary. These partnerships have enhanced transparency and efficiency in land administration, thereby contributing to Ghana’s socio-economic development.
Call on Government to Address Land Guard Menace
Speaking at the launch, the President of LISAG, LS Dr. Ing. Samuel Larbi Darko, called on government to intensify efforts in tackling the menace of land guards, whose destructive activities continue to endanger licensed surveyors.
He lamented that land guards often destroy sophisticated and expensive surveying equipment, frustrating the work of professionals who play a vital role in ensuring proper land administration. According to him, the persistence of this menace not only hampers efficiency but also discourages investment in modern technology, which is critical for delivering accurate spatial data for national development.
Dr. Darko stressed the need for stronger enforcement of laws, enhanced security, and effective policy measures to protect surveyors and their equipment.
Challenges Facing LISAG
Beyond the land guard menace, the LiSAG President outlined other challenges confronting the association, including:
• Limited access to continuous professional development opportunities.
• Inadequate logistics for some practitioners.
• The slow pace of digital transformation within Ghana’s land sector.
He urged government and stakeholders to support LISAG in addressing these challenges by strengthening the regulatory framework, eliminating quack practitioners who compromise the integrity of the profession, and investing in modern geospatial technologies and training.
Looking Ahead
As LISAG looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its mission to drive prosperity in Ghana through meticulous spatial data management. With a renewed pledge to be the trusted custodians of Ghana’s land data, defenders of consistency and integrity, and partners in sustainable national development, LISAG is poised to continue making a lasting positive impact in the country.
20th Anniversary Significance
The 20th anniversary celebration stands as a testament to LISAG’s growth and unwavering commitment to excellence in land administration. As the association embarks on its next chapter, it is expected to continue playing a vital role in shaping Ghana’s land sector and contributing significantly to national development.
