Introduction

As part of the ongoing decentralization and restructuring efforts of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS), the Executive Council embarked on a strategic regional engagement tour from 21st to 25th July 2025. The primary objective was to strengthen ties between the Governing Council and regional branches, inaugurate zonal structures, induct new executives, and deepen institutional visibility and participation across the Western and Middle Belt Zones. The Western Zone includes the Central and Western Regions, while the Middle Belt Zone comprises Western North, Ahafo, Bono, Bono East, and Ashanti Regions.

Tour Highlights

Central Region – Cape Coast

The tour commenced at Cape Coast Technical University, where the Executive Committee engaged professional members, trainees, student members, and potential members. Both the regional and student chapter executives were officially sworn into office. The President of GhIS encouraged the executives to actively promote membership growth, collaborate on CPD programmes, and strengthen regional programming. He emphasized the international affiliations of GhIS, highlighting its status as a profession with no retirement age. He advised members to regularly check their standing on the GhIS portal and fulfill subscription obligations. Student leaders were encouraged to work closely with the Young Surveyors Network (YSN) for mentorship. The Senior Vice President, Surv. Emmanuel Kofi Cobbold, also encouraged participation in upcoming divisional CPDs: LSD Seminar in August (Cape Coast), VES Division in September (Akosombo), and a QS Conference in October (Cape Coast). Present at the engagement were Prof. Zakari (Dean, Built Environment, CCTU), Hon. Secretary Surv. Beatrice Akpene Kom, Surv. Priscilla Donkoh (WiNS), Surv. Sharon Flora Frimpong (YSN), Regional Lands Officer, and members of the Institution. The Executive Council proceeded to the University of Cape Coast to engage the GhIS Student Chapter. Student executives were sworn in and charged to serve as role models in the academic community. Faculty members, the regional chairman, and vice-chair were also present.

Western Region – Takoradi

At Takoradi Technical University, the team was welcomed by the Dean of the Built Environment, lecturers, and student members. Both regional and student executives were inducted. The President reiterated the importance of active participation in GhIS activities and CPDs. The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to Surv. PP Ekow Budu Anguah, making a token cash presentation to support his recuperation. The delegation was also welcomed by the Head of the Geomatic Engineering Department at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Prof. Saviour Mantey. The team, joined by the Regional Chairman, paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor of UMaT to explore institutional collaboration and support for student development. The delegation also met with the student and had fruitful deliberations with the student chapter.

Western North Region – Sefwi Wiawso

In Sefwi Wiawso, the team visited the Regional Minister, Hon. Wilbert Petty Brentum. The Minister commended the Institution and emphasized ethical practice among professionals. The team visited Ghana Bauxite Company and Chirano Mines, where potential members expressed interest in joining GhIS and requested a dedicated training centre for easier professional access. At Ashanti Gold Bibiani, prospective members had already submitted applications and requested for specialized training aligned with mining surveying instead of cadastral surveying. They appealed for curriculum support and localized training options.

Ahafo Region – Goaso

In Goaso, regional members were engaged, and new executives were inducted. Attendees included professionals from Newmont, the District Assembly, Lands Commission, Feeder Roads, and the Regional Hospital. The President emphasized the importance of CPD participation and local initiative.

Bono Region – Sunyani

The Executive Council engaged members in Sunyani and swore in the regional executives. Attendees included the Regional Lands Officer, divisional heads, and lecturers from Sunyani Technical University (STU). At STU, the student chapter welcomed the delegation warmly. Student executives were sworn in, with the Dean and faculty in attendance.

Bono East Region

In the final leg, the team visited the Bono East Region, where the regional executives were inducted, and subsequently engaged with members. Words of encouragement and assurances of continued institutional support were delivered before the team returned to Accra.

Conclusion

The regional tour reaffirmed GhIS's commitment to inclusive national development and capacity-building. The engagements revealed strong enthusiasm from professionals and students alike, especially in underserved regions. Key takeaways include:

• The need for localized training centres near industrial zones.
• Support for tailored CPD programmes to fit specific professional domains like mining surveying.
• Stronger collaboration between GhIS, academia, and industry partners.

The Executive Council remains committed to addressing these needs and ensuring that all regions are effectively represented and supported in the advancement of surveying and spatial science in Ghana.