Joseph Nelson calls for integrity, technology in valuation and estate surveying

The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has called for stronger collaboration among institutions involved in Ghana’s land and property sector, describing professional partnership as essential to sustainable national development.

Delivering the keynote address at the opening of the 40th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Valuation & Estate Surveying (VES) Division of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS) in Takoradi, the Minister said 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 to address challenges within Ghana’s land and built environment.

Nelson noted that valuation and estate surveying play a critical role in investment, taxation, compensation, public infrastructure, property management and land administration, making the profession indispensable to sound public policy and economic development.

He observed that the Western Region’s expanding investment in industry, commerce, housing, infrastructure and tourism continues to increase demand for credible professional advice on land and property matters.

He 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 other professional bodies would improve land administration, reduce disputes, enhance planning and provide greater certainty for investors and property owners.

The Minister further urged practitioners to uphold the highest standards of integrity while embracing emerging technologies, including digital mapping, geographic information systems and modern valuation methodologies, to improve accuracy, efficiency and transparency.

Welcoming participants to the conference, Chairman of the VES Division, Surv. Dr Benjamin Armah Quaye, FGhIS, described the conference as more than a professional gathering, saying it marks four decades of learning, mentorship, institutional growth and service to Ghana.

He noted that the rapidly changing property sector, driven by artificial intelligence, digital property platforms and evolving land governance challenges, requires coordinated action, shared knowledge and sustained collaboration across professions.

According to him, the conference has therefore been deliberately structured around practical discussions on innovation in valuation, real estate finance and investment, land governance, facilities management and brokerage, with the aim of producing implementable recommendations that strengthen professional practice and contribute to national development.

He urged participants to move beyond identifying challenges and focus on practical solutions, stronger partnerships and measurable outcomes that will endure beyond the conference.

Earlier, the President of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors, Surv. Emmanuel Kofi Cobbold, FGhIS, outlined a broad institutional reform agenda, highlighting progress on the proposed Surveying Council Bill, plans to consolidate divisional conferences into a unified Surveyors’ Week, the ongoing review of the GhIS Constitution, improvements in member engagement and the proposed development of a permanent Surveyors’ Complex.

He called on members and stakeholders to support these initiatives as part of efforts to strengthen the surveying profession and enhance its contribution to national development.

The five-day conference, being held at Palms by Eagles Hotel in Takoradi, has brought together valuation and estate surveying professionals, policymakers, academics, regulators and industry leaders to deliberate on emerging issues shaping Ghana’s land, property and built environment sectors.