The Ghana Institution of Surveyors has called on the government to reserve land surveying under foreign-funded contracts for local professionals, citing potential national security risks.

President of the institution, Emmanuel Cobbold, warned that allowing foreign firms to undertake sensitive surveying work could have long-term implications for the country.

“Allowing foreign firms to handle such sensitive work could have long-term implications for the country,” he said.

Speaking at an honorary membership ceremony organised by the institution, Cobbold stressed the need to prioritise local expertise in all surveying-related contracts.

“Local expertise must be prioritised in all surveying-related contracts,” he added, noting that land data and boundary mapping are critical to national planning and security.

Land surveying plays a key role in determining property boundaries and managing land information, making it central to governance, development planning, and dispute resolution.

The event also highlighted broader challenges within the land sector, including the need to sanitise boundary demarcation systems and reduce land disputes.

Former Chief Executive of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Joyce Aryee, emphasised the importance of engaging certified professionals to ensure accuracy and credibility in land documentation.

“It is important to engage certified surveyors to ensure accuracy and credibility in land documentation,” she said.

Meanwhile, former Education Minister, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, called for the introduction of chartered cities to give communities greater control over their development.

“Chartered cities can improve infrastructure, raise property values, and enhance quality of life without placing additional burden on government,” he said.