Accra, Ghana - October 18, 2023
In an event that transcended mere historical reflection, the keynote address delivered by Reverend Professor John Ayer at the 5th Seminar and Annual General Meeting of the Licensed Surveyors Association of Ghana (LiSAG) not only traced the rich past but also illuminated a strategic vision for the future of land surveying, mapping, and geo-informatics in Ghana.
Unveiling the Layers of Ghana's Surveying Legacy
Professor Ayer, standing at the intersection of history and possibility, wove a narrative that celebrated the unsung heroes of Ghana's surveying legacy. The stories of George Ekem Ferguson, A.H. Osei, R.J. Simson, and others echoed through the halls of the La Royal Palm Beach Hotel, a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship of early surveyors who laid the foundation for the nation's development.
The Mines Survey Department's establishment in 1901 and its transformation into the Gold Coast Survey Department in 1908 unfolded as pivotal moments in Ghana's surveying history. The keynote masterfully navigated through the challenges posed by the First World War, the return of expatriate staff, and the subsequent elevation of Brigadier General Sir F.G. Guggisberg to the Governorship, which ensured the prioritization of surveying for national development.
LiSAG's Genesis: A Response to Unique Challenges
Transitioning seamlessly from history to the contemporary landscape, Professor Ayer delved into the birth of LiSAG in 2001. Acknowledging the unique challenges faced by licensed surveyors, particularly those in private practice, the association emerged as a beacon to unify, empower, and advance the profession. The keynote painted a vivid picture of the dedicated pioneers of LiSAG, including LS. Kwame Tenadu Snr. and LS. Albert Adisi Braimah Kabongase-Wura, who steered the ship through formative years.
Navigating Complexity: Challenges and Opportunities
The address did not shy away from addressing the complexities within LiSAG, notably the divergent professional aspirations, conflicting public vs. private sector goals, and challenges in skill development and resource allocation. Professor Ayer, however, emphasized that within these challenges lie opportunities for cross-disciplinary learning, wider networking, and a stronger collective voice in advocacy.
Strategic Vision: A 6-Goal Plan for LiSAG's Future
The vision extended beyond the keynote's recounting of history. Professor Ayer proposed a comprehensive 6-goal strategic plan for LiSAG, outlining objectives to strengthen member unity, enhance public awareness, uphold ethical standards, advocate for sustainable development, provide conflict resolution services, and promote innovation and research in surveying.
Financial Sustainability: A Pillar for LiSAG's Resilience
Complementing the strategic plan, the financial sustainability and survival proposal provided a roadmap for LiSAG's financial stability. Diversified funding streams, stringent financial planning, and transparent management are envisioned as pillars to ensure LiSAG's resilience against financial challenges.
Call to Action: Embracing a Future of Precision and Positive Change
In a passionate conclusion, Professor Ayer urged LiSAG members to draw inspiration from the association's rich history, learning from both successes and failures. LiSAG, he declared, is not merely an association of surveyors but a collective of architects of progress, pioneers of precision, and custodians of truth.
Beyond the Horizon: LiSAG's Role in Shaping Ghana's Development
As the echoes of the keynote address lingered, LiSAG found itself standing at the crossroads of a transformative journey. The event marked a significant chapter in Ghana's surveying history, where LiSAG's role goes beyond the technicalities of surveying. It emerges as a vital force shaping the nation's development, ensuring ethical practices, and propelling the surveying profession into a future where accuracy, innovation, and positive change define the landscape.
In this moment of convergence between history and vision, LiSAG is poised to empower tomorrow, armed with the wisdom of the past and the vigor of a collective commitment to excellence. The journey unfolds, and LiSAG stands ready to lead Ghana into a future where precision and positive change reign supreme.
