The Licensed Surveyors Association of Ghana (LiSAG) is modernizing land surveying practices through the acquisition and distribution of advanced Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) equipment to its over 200 members. This initiative, spearheaded by LiSAG President Samuel Larbi Darko, aims to significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of land information, ultimately reducing land litigation and accelerating land registration processes.
The GNSS equipment, including GPS receivers, tripods, and specialized software, allows for rapid and precise coordinate capture and the automated generation of site plans. This represents a substantial upgrade from the previous manual methods, which relied on total stations and line-of-sight measurements, often resulting in delays due to obstructions. As explained by LiSAG Vice President Stephen Djaba, the new satellite-based technology streamlines the entire process, from data acquisition to plan generation, significantly reducing turnaround times.
The distribution of the equipment is facilitated through flexible financial arrangements, ensuring accessibility for all members. Mr. Darko emphasized that this is a phased rollout, with plans to equip every member. Furthermore, suppliers are providing comprehensive technical training and after-sales service. To ensure the long-term success of this initiative, LiSAG is appealing to the Ghanaian government for tax waivers on the importation and clearing of future equipment.
The modernization effort aligns perfectly with the goals of both LiSAG and the Lands Commission. Deputy Executive Secretary Jones Ofori Boadu of the Lands Commission highlighted the synergy between LiSAG’s initiative and the Commission’s planned establishment of core stations, which will further enhance data accessibility for surveyors. This streamlined process promises to drastically reduce the time and effort required for obtaining site plans, benefiting both surveyors and prospective land buyers.
The impact of this initiative is already being felt. Surveyor Victor Kweku Ankobiaa described the new equipment as a “reliever,” emphasizing the significant cost of such technology and the previous challenges of resource allocation within his teams. The flexible financing offered by LiSAG is expected to address these challenges head-on.
Licensed under the Survey Act 1962 (Act 127) and the Lands Commission Act 2008 (Act 767), LiSAG’s commitment extends beyond technological advancement. The association strives to ensure adherence to land survey laws and collaborates with relevant agencies to formulate policies promoting land rights and sustainable development in Ghana. The GNSS equipment rollout is a significant step towards achieving these crucial objectives.
