Land surveyors have been urged to sharpen their skills and embrace modern technologies to strengthen their role in Ghana’s sustainable development drive.

This call was made at the 2025 Annual Conference and General Meeting of the Land Surveying Division (LSD) of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS), held in Cape Coast. The three-day event, themed “Enhancing Land Surveyors’ Competencies for Sustainable National Development,” brought together surveyors, policymakers, built-environment professionals, and traditional leaders.

Speaking on behalf of Osaabarima Kwasi Atta II, Oguaa Manhene, Nana Kwasi Amoyaw stressed the importance of land to Ghana’s progress, warning that weak governance and inaccurate surveying could fuel disputes and hinder development.

“Land remains one of our most valuable resources, the cradle of our identity, the inheritance of our ancestors, and the foundation of our future,” he said. “The work of surveyors is not just a technical service but a pillar of national peace, order, and progress.”

Chairperson of the Land Surveying Division, Surv. Ing. Dr. Tina Dzigbordi Wemegah, FGHIS, called on practitioners to reposition themselves as “strategic enablers” in policymaking, urban planning, disaster management, and technological innovation. She highlighted the need to integrate tools like artificial intelligence, digital twins, and Internet of Things (IoT) applications in land surveying.

“We can no longer just be boundary demarcators and cadastral mappers,” she said. “We must lead in advancing sustainable development.”

Prof. Prosper Laari, FGhIS, Chairman of the Planning Committee, also emphasized that equipping surveyors with modern skills was vital for Ghana’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He noted that accurate spatial data collection and interpretation directly support effective governance, environmental protection, and economic growth.

The technical sessions explored geospatial innovations, environmental impact assessments, climate resilience, policy frameworks, renewable energy integration, and sustainable land practices.

Organizers said the conference created space for reflection, innovation, and professional networking. They expressed optimism that the insights shared would help strengthen land governance, boost infrastructure planning, and place surveyors at the center of Ghana’s development agenda.