GhIS, Roads Ministry to strengthen compensation process after valuation claims concerns for properties affected by road projects
The Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS) and the Ministry of Roads and Highways have agreed to strengthen collaboration on the assessment and payment of compensation for properties affected by road projects.
A release copied to Ghana News Agency said the agreement followed a meeting between the GhIS leadership and the Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Governs Kwame Agbodza, on Monday.
The meeting discussed compensation valuations and challenges affecting the compensation process.
GhIS highlighted delays in acquisition procedures, inadequate stakeholder engagement, inconsistencies in assessment and documentation, as well as prolonged delays in the payment of compensation to affected persons.
The Institution noted that statutory procedures governing compulsory acquisition and compensation were not applied consistently by all parties, contributing to some of the challenges of the process.
Following the discussions, GhIS and the Ministry agreed to continue engaging through a structured technical process aimed at improving the administration of road project compensations.
“The technical engagement will focus, among other things, on reviewing the compensation process, improving the exchange of relevant information and valuation documentation, strengthening stakeholder consultation and promoting compliance with the 1992 Constitution, the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036), and recognised professional valuation standards,” the release said.
It noted that a transparent, consistent and professionally grounded compensation process was essential to ensuring value for money and protecting the rights of property owners affected by public infrastructure projects.
GhIS reiterated its commitment to professional accountability and urged members to ensure compensation claims were objective, evidence-based and properly documented, with valuations supported by verifiable market information.
“Members are further expected to cooperate fully with any properly constituted review of compensation claims, provided such reviews are undertaken in accordance with established procedures and due process,” it said.
GhIS said it would continue to work with the Ministry and relevant stakeholders to improve the compensation process, protect the constitutional rights of affected persons and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity within the surveying profession.
Officials at the meeting included Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, the Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways, Samuel Kwasi Akuaku the Chief Director of the Ministry, and Mallam Issah Ishak, Chief Executive Officer, Survey.
GhIS was represented by its President, Mr Emmanuel Kofi Cobbold, Past President, Mr Kofi Obeng-Ayirebi, the Honorary Secretary, Ms Beatrice Akpene Kom, and Chair of the Land Survey (LS) Division, Dr. Tina Dzigbordi Wemegah among others.
Mr Agbodza, on a recent road inspection tour, cautioned surveyors over alleged attempts to inflate compensation claims for properties affected by road projects.
He observed that some surveyors allegedly encourage persons affected by road projects to reject government valuations, promising to secure compensation higher than the amounts assessed by state agencies.
The practice, the Minister said, was costing the state significant sums of money and contributed to delays in the execution of road projects.
GNA
