GhIS challenges quantity surveyors to uphold integrity in public projects

Nana Nuamah Kyei-Bafour urges quantity surveyors to protect public funds

Nana Nuamah Kyei-Bafour, Chairperson of the Quantity Surveying Division of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS), has urged practitioners to maintain high standards of professional integrity and accountability in public infrastructure projects. Speaking at the division's 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Tamale, he emphasized that maximizing the impact of public funds is essential for national development. The meeting focused on the critical role quantity surveyors play in ensuring the transparent and efficient use of resources amidst Ghana’s growing infrastructure demands. The conference, themed around "The Value for Money Office Act, 2026," highlighted the strategic necessity of cost management expertise from a project's inception to its final delivery. Surv. Kyei-Bafour noted that with rapid urbanization, the duty to "protect every cedi" has become more pressing. He called for surveyors to be proactive in their oversight, ensuring that every public expenditure yields tangible and sustainable benefits for local communities. Adding to the call for professional excellence, GhIS President Surv. Emmanuel Kofi Cobbold stressed the importance of early intervention in project planning. He argued that involving quantity surveyors at the initial stages of infrastructure development is vital for minimizing financial risks and avoiding cost overruns. This preventative approach is expected to become a cornerstone of public procurement as the institution aligns its practices with new legislative requirements. Looking ahead, the new Value for Money Office is slated to begin its operations in January 2027. This office will formalize the role of quantity surveyors in public-sector accountability, providing a robust framework for monitoring government projects. The GhIS leadership remains confident that these measures will strengthen public trust and ensure that Ghana’s infrastructure investments are both prudent and effective.