Equipping and Recognising the Cadastral Surveyors Role in Development Information in Ghana.
However, unlike other nations where there had been commissions which had emphasized to their governments the importance of spatial data in developments, most African Nations’ perception of information has been limited to journalistic news items that are published in print and electronic media and did not include any recognition of spatial development information.
Albeit, the processes of consultation within government, private sector and communities for utilization of natural resources and delivery of services could however not be done effectively without adequate development information. FAO (1995) argues that successful planning and development must be based on knowledge. This knowledge is crucial for orderly administration and use of the land as the necessary foundation of human life. Cadastral Surveyors are instrumental in the production of large scale maps, which are essential for the registration of rights in land, and the description of natural resources. These large scale maps are the best basis of all knowledge for spatial development information. “As a record of rights the map has no substitute” (FAO, 1995).
Collaboration between sectors and all levels of government is required to ensure spatial information is available to better understand hazards and vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure, community risk, mitigation and planning, and the interdependence of critical infrastructures.
Spatial information management currently maintains a strong land and property information focus, somewhat removed from the management of natural resources and environmental information, mineral resources and petroleum, scientific information, and regional planning information.
Cadastral data are generally considered the backbone of spatial data. Together with the base topographic data, they are referred to as “foundation data” (Groot, Mac Laughlin, 2000) and play a major role in planning and infrastructural development. The topographic data provide the “land” basis, which describes the territory, and provide a complete spatial partitioning. Cadastral surveys identify and record the extent of each land parcel by physically demarcating the boundaries and surveying the plot. The surveys are based on geodetic networks, which have not been densified in some urban areas.
Unfortunately, the image of cadastres in political circles is still very much dominated by the fiscal connotation. Their role as potential spatial information for development is hardly understood. Therefore there are deficient institutional arrangements for the use and maintenance of spatial data in constructing development models.
Cadastral information in Ghana
Cadastral information in Ghana is provided through cadastral surveys. Cadastral surveys are regulated by the Survey Act, Act 127 of 1962. The Act gave legal backing to the Director of Surveys to carryout cadastral and other surveys through official surveyors who work directly under him at the Survey Department. The Survey Department has its Headquarters in Accra and the ten regional offices at the regional capitals.
The Survey Act, also authorises the Director of Surveys to recommend from time to time experienced surveyors to the Minister responsible for Lands to be licensed to undertake surveys. Currently there are about three hundred (300) licensed surveyors operating in the country. Licensed surveyors were in the early days experience surveyors, most of who have been trained at the Survey School (Gold Coast Survey, 1936) and have had practical experience with the Survey Department. Unlike South Africa, however, the Survey Act of Ghana does not require a licensed (professional) surveyor to be a university graduate (Simpson and Sweeney, 1973).
The conducts of surveys are carried out in accordance with technical instructions published by the Survey Department from time to time (Survey Act, 1962). Until 1986 certified plans (plans which did not need the approval of the Director of Surveys), were acceptable for deeds registration. After 1986, however, when government started implementing the land title registration program, that required the use of guaranteed scientifically accurate plans signed by the Director of Surveys or his appointed representative, certified plans were no longer relevant. The government hence enacted a legislative instrument LI 1444 of 1989 to regulate the technical conduct of Cadastral surveys. This instrument required the licensed surveyor to submit all field books, method of observation and computations to the Director of Surveys for checking and approval before the plans could be used in the registration process.
Some Problems identified in the Present Cadastral System
Lack of demarcation of boundaries between customary land owners is a major source of land dispute in Ghana. There is therefore the need to methodically identify, adjudicate, demarcate and register the boundaries of all allodial owners (LAP, 2003). Such demarcation of boundaries will minimize litigation emanating from indeterminate boundaries, ensure certainty in land ownership, land tenure, land right and facilitate the registration of right in customary land and subsidiary interests and promote valuable development information which will enhance sustainable national development.
This is a mammoth task that needs motivated cadastral surveyors to accomplish since customary ownership predominates in Ghana and accounts for close to 80% of land in the country. The demarcation of customary boundaries will therefore be a herculean task that can only be accomplished by equipped, well trained and motivated cadastral surveyors.