The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Collins Dauda, has challenged professional surveyors in the country to ensure that non-professionals or 'quake surveyors' are weeded out of their midst. This observation was made during the Dinner Awards Night of the Ghana Institute of Surveyors (GIS) 40th Anniversary at the Banquet Hall, State House in Accra over the weekend. Speaking at the 40th Anniversary and Awards Night Collins Dauda emphasised that self-regulation activities must not be compromised saying, "The practice of the surveyor is very unique, and calls for the exhibition of high professional standards." The Minister assured the surveyors of government's commitment to making sure the call for legislative support to ensure sanity in the surveying profession was adhered to. "The government has declared its avowed intent to implement an agenda that will lead to growth and prosperity for all Ghanaians. To this end, pragmatic policies will be put in place to trigger this much expected growth, and propel this country to the anticipated middle-income status," he added. The Minister noted that achieving these objectives would require massive infrastructure improvement, efficient land administration (in terms of ownership and titling), agriculture development, fair justice system, and efficient urban management. The awards night witnessed the swearing in of Mr. Kwadwo Osei-Asante, as the new President of the Ghana Institute of Surveyors. Mr. Osei-Asante pledged, to the government of Ghana, the continued support and commitments of the GIS, which would be in line with the developmental agenda, and growth of the economy. He called for the recognition of the local surveyor's expertise, and advised the government to increase infrastructure developments in the country. "Instructions of surveyors and planners are disregarded with impunity. Listen to us, the professional, and we will provide better services to curb down cost of production," he added. Awards were given to deserving members who had distinguished themselves during the past forty years. Source: The Ghanaian Chronicle