The Lands Commission (LC) has congratulated Lic. Surv. Stephen Djaba on his election as Vice President of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) and Assoc. Prof. Naa Dedei Tagoe of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) on her election as Chair of FIG Commission 8 on Spatial Planning and Development, describing the achievement as a significant milestone for Ghana's surveying profession.

Both leaders, nominated through the Licensed Surveyors Association of Ghana (LiSAG), paid a courtesy call on the Lands Commission following their election at the FIG General Assembly, held in Cape Town, South Africa, from May 24 to May 29, 2026.

The Lands Commission commended LiSAG and its President, Dr. Samuel Larbi Darko, who led the delegation, for their confidence in nominating both candidates. The Commission noted that their election reflects the growing influence of LiSAG within the international surveying community and demonstrates the quality of leadership, professionalism, and technical excellence that characterise Ghana's surveying and geospatial sector.

It further acknowledged that Dr. Larbi Darko's stewardship has significantly strengthened the visibility, credibility, and professional standing of LiSAG both nationally and internationally.

The delegation was received by the Chairperson of the Lands Commission, Dr. Wordsworth Odame Larbi; the Executive Secretary, Prof. Anthony Owusu-Ansah; the Acting Director of the Survey and Mapping Division, Naa Seidu Zakari Abu; and Deputy Directors Surv. Eric Mensah Okantey and Surv. Abdul-Hanan Iddrisu Abu.

Dr. Odame Larbi congratulated both leaders and noted that their election reflects the competence and growing international stature of Ghana's surveying profession. He expressed the Commission's commitment to strengthening collaboration with FIG through their leadership, particularly on emerging issues in land administration, spatial planning, land governance, and sustainable development.

Prof. Anthony Owusu-Ansah described the achievement as a proud moment for Ghana's land sector and expressed satisfaction that Ghanaian surveyors, entrusted with responsibilities that support the Commission's mandate, had received recognition at the highest level of the international surveying community.

Lic. Surv. Stephen Djaba's election as FIG Vice President places Ghana within the organisation's executive leadership, while Assoc. Prof. Naa Dedei Tagoe's election as Chair of Commission 8 positions Ghana at the centre of international discussions on spatial planning, land-use management, and sustainable territorial development.

Both leaders expressed appreciation to the Lands Commission, LiSAG, and the broader Ghanaian surveying community for their support. They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting Ghana's interests within FIG and advancing professional development, knowledge exchange, and international collaboration for the benefit of Ghana and Africa.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration among the Lands Commission, LiSAG, and FIG to advance professional excellence, innovation, effective land administration, and sustainable development.

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