On June 13, 2025, the Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS), led by the President, Surv. Kofi Obeng-Ayirebi, Executive Committee Members, and Governing Council Members paid a courtesy call on GRIDCo’s Management to share perspectives and identify fresh opportunities for collaboration. Surv. Obeng-Ayirebi, expressed appreciation to GRIDCo’s leadership for “Keeping faith” with their professionals and investing in capacity building.

The GhIS President emphasised the importance of professional certification beyond technical training, and continuous training, highlighting the GhIS’s role in procurement, construction support, and dispute resolution through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) initiatives. “GRIDCo professionals are skilled, but certification adds a layer of accountability, recognition and sanctions in cases of professional lapses,” he noted.

Highlights from the meeting included;

●GRIDCo’s reaffirmation of its support for GhIS members’ professional development through the payment of annual subscription fees and conference participation.

●Discussions focused on capacity building in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), value-for-money audits, and procurement training.

●GhIS and GRIDCo agreed to explore ways to empower local consultants to meet international standards.

On other areas of concern Senior Vice President, Surv. Emmanuel Kofi Cobbold explained the value GIS can offer in land management, especially in strategies for protecting corridors, resolving compensation claims, and shaping infrastructure delivery through alternative perspectives. “Without land, there is no infrastructure. We can work with GRIDCo to get green building certification among other things,” such as education on compensation, and consulting on corridor management.”

The governing Council Member addressed the critical role of data in surveying. He disclosed ongoing plans to establish a data centre in partnership with the Universal Cost Engineering Council, calling for greater access to data to strengthen GIS’s position on legal and industry matters.

Speaking on behalf of the CE, Director of Internal Audit, Mr. Richard Ntim welcomed the insights shared. Mr. Ntim acknowledged the breadth of GhIS services and requested a formal paper to guide a gap analysis: “We believe in training and professional development. Once we understand the gaps, we’ll take action.”

On having more local GIS input through consultants, Director of Engineering, Ing. Nicholina Yembilah indicated GRIDCo has had positive project collaborations with GIS professionals. Ing. Yembilah provided clarity on consultant engagement processes, especially those related to development partner (DP) projects. She encouraged GIS to expand its outreach to bodies like the West African Power Pool and tailor services to meet international standards, enabling more local consultants to participate fully in such projects.

On his part, GRIDCo’s Director for Land Management, Ing. Bismark Anane hailed the expertise of GRIDCo’s land surveyors, quantity surveyors, valuers who make up the Land Management Department. He gave an overview of LMD’s work in areas such as land management, Environmental and Social Impact (SI), Surveying and Geospatial.

As a gesture of goodwill, GhIS presented a token of appreciation to GRIDCo. In return, Manager Design & Standards, Surv. Ing. Martin Kodjo, expressed thanks on behalf of survey professionals: “We feel empowered to use our professional skills in a supportive and enabling environment.” He further appealed to the institution to grant the company the license to be used as a training centre to train young surveyors for certification, induction and licensing to be a practitioner of the Ghana Institute of Surveyors.

Concluding the engagement, the delegation, led by the President Surv. Obeng-Ayirebi granted GRIDCo’s wish as a training centre for members of GhIS, inviting GRIDCo and the public to learn more about the GhIS’ services, training, and mission. “We are grateful for the partnership. What you do for our professionals comes back full circle,” he added.

GRIDCo currently boasts a team of highly skilled professionals including, two government Licensed Surveyors, Land Valuers, and Quantity Surveyors serving in various capacities in different Departments.

With an eye on expanded collaboration, both institutions are optimistic about the path ahead.