The Lands Commission has awarded licenses to about fifty private surveyors, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to improve land administration and surveying practices.
At a ceremony held at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Accra, Surv.Alhaji Hanan, Deputy Director of Operations (SMD)at the Lands Commission, stated the purpose of gathering and indicated that the licensed surveyors underwent rigorous evaluations, meeting the Commission’s stringent requirements.
According to him, the program which commenced about five months ago, began with a nationwide advertisement by the Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission. He disclosed that candidates were required to have about 5 years of experience and were recommended by seasoned surveyors. After a series of challenging examinations and interviews and assessments, 70% of the candidates were successful, culminating in today’s award of licenses, “he added.
Lawyer Alex Quaynor, Chairman of the National Lands Commission, who chaired the ceremony, emphasized the pivotal role surveyors have played historically in shaping infrastructure, both in Ghana and across Africa. “Surveyors laid the foundation for infrastructure development—railways, roads, hospitals, schools—by understanding the land,” he said, underscoring the importance of precision and the need for continued investment in modern surveying equipment.
Surv. Abudulai Abukari (Tibung Lana), Director of the Survey and Mapping Division, in his welcome address, commended the new license holders, urging them to see their licenses not merely as certificates but as a commitment to excellence and integrity. “Your licenses represent more than permission—they symbolize your responsibility to shape our collective future through ethical standards, collaboration, and innovation,” he stated.
Surv. Naa stated that the exercise aims to ensure that private surveyors operate within established standards, guidelines, and regulations.
He again added that the activity is expected to enhance the integrity of land surveys, reduce disputes, and promote economic development.
Surv.Benjamin Arthur, Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission, reiterated the importance of accuracy in surveying, calling for the creation of a reliable and precise database of landed properties. He lauded the Commission’s ongoing efforts to modernize its operations through technology and called on the new surveyors to be ambassadors of the profession.
The Deputy Executive Secretary in charge of Corporate Services, Surv. Jones Ofori-Boadu, in his speech, stressed the need for surveyors to participate in larger national projects, including the mapping of the entire country, which is a big project by the Lands Commission to enhance land administration in the country.
He encouraged the awardees to form consortiums and deepen collaboration among themselves to have a greater impact in their space.
Surv. Ofori-Boadu also reminded them to be guided by their motto, which is speed, accuracy, and integrity.
Goodwill messages were delivered by notable figures, including the former Director of the Survey and Mapping Division, Surv. Joseph Tettey Odametey, Profesor Prosper Larry, Surv. Samuel Larbi- Darko, Surv. Eric Okantey and Surv. Larbi. All congratulating them and urging the newly licensed surveyors to be efficient and ensure teamwork.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Surv. Gameli Kormla Agboada acknowledged the efforts of all involved in making the ceremony a success.
This milestone represents not only the celebration of professional achievement but also the beginning of exciting opportunities for the newly licensed surveyors to contribute to Ghana’s land and geospatial landscape.
Also, gracing the ceremony were, Surv. Prof.Prosper Larry (Chairman of the North East Regional Lands Commission), Surv. Timothy Anyidoho Esq. (Ag. Greater Accra Lands Officer), Surv. Samuel Larbi-Darko (President of LISAG), Reps from GHIS, partners from Ghana Water Company, other Management members, and various unit heads of the Survey and Mapping division.
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