Address by the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa
Akufo-Addo
I thank the dynamic Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon.
Samuel Abu Jinapor, Member of Parliament for Damongo, for the invitation
to join you at the opening ceremony of the Annual Working Week of the
International Federation of Surveyors (FIG), which is being held in our
vibrant capital of Accra. Akwaaba, is our word of welcome, and I hope
you are enjoying your stay amongst a people who pride themselves on
their warm hospitality.
I must, at the outset, congratulate my fellow Ghanaian, Dr. Diane
Dumashie, on her election as President of FIG for the period 2022 to
2026, and leading this current process towards realizing a world that is
fighting for sustainable development.
This gathering, under the theme "Your World, Our World:
Resilient Environment and Sustainable Resource Management for All,"
holds profound significance for our shared future.
The theme you have chosen underscores the pivotal role that surveyors
play in not only mapping our world, but also in crafting the sustainable
frameworks that support our environment and resource management. This is
a role that resonates deeply with Ghana’s vision for development,
grounded in efficiency, sustainability and inclusivity.
Indeed, the surveying profession in Ghana has been a fundamental
pillar in the development of the nation's socio-economic infrastructure.
I recall with pride the pioneering work of George Ekem Ferguson, who led
the mapping of the boundaries of modern-day Ghana in the late 19th
century. Following on from this, surveyors have played crucial roles in
major infrastructure projects, such as the Akosombo Dam, the Tema and
Takoradi Harbours, and the highways that span the country. It is in
recognition of the exceptional contributions of the local surveying
profession, I am certain, that FIG has assembled the global community of
surveyors to Accra for this event.
Ladies and gentlemen, Ghana, like many nations across the globe,
faces significant challenges in the realms of land administration and
spatial planning. Rapid urbanisation, environmental degradation, and the
urgent need for sustainable resource management demand innovative
solutions. Solutions that ensure growth and development, whilst
maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystems.
The International Federation of Surveyors has been instrumental in
promoting such innovations and standards. Your work in promoting global
collaboration amongst surveying professionals contributes immensely to
enhancing land governance and spatial planning worldwide. In Ghana, we
have felt the impact of your initiatives, particularly in improving our
land administration systems. These efforts are crucial as they influence
directly our goals for economic growth, agricultural productivity and
environmental conservation.
It is our responsibility to ensure that, as we develop, we do so in a
manner that is sustainable. This sustainability can only be achieved
through resilient environmental practices that are built into every
aspect of our planning and development processes. Surveyors are at the
forefront of this endeavour, providing the critical data and insights
needed to make informed decisions that protect and preserve our natural
resources.
Moreover, the issue of climate change and its impact on land and
water resources cannot be overstated. As a nation, we are committed to
implementing the Paris Agreement and the 2030 United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals. But these are not just international obligations;
they are essential for the survival and prosperity of our people. The
data and systems developed by surveyors enable us to monitor changes,
assess risks and plan accordingly. Your expertise allows us to build
resilience against the inevitable impacts of climate change.
In Ghana, our government has taken significant steps to improve land
administration through the Land Administration Project (LAP). This
project, supported by international partners and aligned with global
best practices, promoted by your federation, aims to streamline land
registration, resolve land disputes, and, thus, enhance investor
confidence in land transactions. These improvements are vital for
achieving our broader economic and developmental goals.
Furthermore, our focus on harnessing digital technology in surveying
practices is another area where collaboration with the International
Federation of Surveyors is invaluable. The adoption of modern
technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote
sensing is transforming how we manage land and resources. These tools
not only increase the accuracy of our data, but also the efficiency of
our processes, enabling faster decision-making that is critical in
today’s fast-paced world.
As we look to the future, the role of education and continuous
professional development cannot be ignored. We need to ensure that the
next generation of surveyors is equipped with the knowledge and skills
to manage the complexities of modern-day land administration and
environmental management. Our educational institutions, supported by
professional bodies like yours, are key to nurturing these talents.
In this light, I urge the International Federation of Surveyors to
continue its work in promoting professional standards and ethics in
surveying. Your efforts in advocating for sustainable practices,
enhancing education, and supporting research are commendable and
necessary for the challenges ahead.
Let us also recognize the importance of inclusivity in our practices.
In Ghana, we are working to ensure that our policies and initiatives
around land and resource management include the voices of all
stakeholders, including the marginalized and vulnerable. It is only by
working together that we can achieve the sustainable and resilient world
we aspire to create.
In conclusion, ladies and gentlemen, the theme "Your World, Our
World" is a powerful reminder of our interconnectedness and the shared
responsibility we hold in shaping a sustainable future. The
International Federation of Surveyors plays a crucial role in this
journey, and Ghana is proud to be a partner in this enterprise.
Thank you for your dedication and commitment to making our world a
better place. I am confident that the discussions and deliberations of
the FIG Working Week 2024 will yield tangible outcomes, and contribute
to our shared vision of a more resilient, sustainable and prosperous
world for all.
May God bless the International Federation of Surveyors, Mother
Africa, and us all.
I thank you for your attention.
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