Kofi Obeng Ayirebi Inducted as the New President of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors

Kofi Obeng Ayirebi, one of Ghana’s most esteemed surveyors, has officially taken office as the 57th President of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GIS). His induction marks a significant moment in the history of the institution, which provides a platform for professionals in the surveying field to connect, collaborate, and share insights. The investiture ceremony was a highlight of the 20th Surveyors Week and the 56th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the GIS, both of which were held at the prestigious La Palm Hotel.

The 20th Surveyors Week and 56th AGM served as key events for the surveying community to gather and discuss the evolving role of surveyors in town planning, development, and the broader societal landscape. These events were instrumental in facilitating dialogue among professionals about the importance of the surveying profession and how it can contribute to sustainable development, urban planning, and national growth. As GIS members gathered during this week-long celebration, they reflected on their past achievements while brainstorming ways to enhance their future impact.

Before ascending to the presidency, Kofi Obeng Ayirebi had an impressive tenure as the Senior Vice President of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors. His career as a surveyor spans over three decades, with his professional journey beginning in 1991. Throughout these years, Obeng Ayirebi has demonstrated exceptional leadership in various roles both within the GIS and in other surveying-related capacities. His experience, expertise, and passion for the profession have earned him respect and admiration from his colleagues, making him a natural choice for the presidency.

In his address at the event, the outgoing President, Dr. Anthony Arko-Adjei, took the opportunity to reflect on the achievements made during his tenure. Under his leadership, the institution made notable progress, advancing various initiatives and raising the profile of surveying as a critical discipline in Ghana. However, Dr. Arko-Adjei acknowledged that while much had been accomplished, there were still numerous challenges to address. He pointed out that the demand for skilled and competent surveyors was growing, and there was a need for the profession to evolve to meet these emerging demands.

Upon taking office, Kofi Obeng Ayirebi expressed his deep gratitude to the members of the GIS for their trust and confidence in his leadership. He emphasized the importance of continuing the work of his predecessors, while also focusing on the pressing issues that face the profession today. According to him, one of his primary goals during his tenure as president is to advocate for the passage of the Surveying Council Bill, which would help establish stronger regulatory frameworks for the profession. He also expressed his commitment to enhancing public awareness about the vital role of surveyors in the development process, especially in areas such as land management, infrastructure planning, and urban development.

Furthermore, President Ayirebi highlighted his determination to ensure that the surveying industry is regulated and that ethical practices are upheld. He stressed the need to clean up the industry by rooting out any unethical behaviors and ensuring that surveyors work with integrity and professionalism at all times. His vision is to strengthen the standing of the GIS and create a more transparent, accountable, and well-regulated environment for surveying professionals across the country.

The ceremony also featured a keynote address from the guest speaker, Apostle Alexander Larbi, who is a prominent figure from the Church of Pentecost. In his speech, Apostle Larbi emphasized the importance of integrity and transparency within the surveying profession. He encouraged the newly inducted president and all surveyors present to maintain high standards of honesty and professionalism in their work, ensuring that they contribute positively to national development.

In addition to the presidential investiture, other key executive members of the GIS were also sworn into office. This marked the beginning of a new leadership cycle for the institution, one that is expected to bring further advancement and innovation to the surveying profession in Ghana.

With Kofi Obeng Ayirebi at the helm, the Ghana Institution of Surveyors is poised for a new chapter of growth, development, and transformation. His leadership promises to build on the successes of the past while addressing the emerging challenges in the surveying field, ultimately ensuring that the institution continues to thrive and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s development.