Quantity Surveyors Advised To Strengthen Cost Controls And Accountability

Ghanaian quantity surveyors have been urged to bolster cost controls and promote accountability in infrastructure projects to maximize value for money, according to the Ghana Institution of Surveyors. The call came at the division's 2026 Annual General Meeting in Tamale, following a conference focused on the role of quantity surveyors in delivering accountable, transparent and value-driven public infrastructure.

Quantity surveyors must go beyond mere cost considerations, focusing instead on how projects meet their intended objectives, serve communities and deliver long-term benefits. They must assume a strategic role in cost planning, procurement, risk assessment and commercial management throughout the life of projects. The establishment of the Value for Money Office Act, 2026, provides an opportunity for the profession to demonstrate its expertise in promoting accountability and efficient public spending.

The office, set to launch in January 2027, will help quantity surveyors contribute to public-sector project evaluation, cost control and infrastructure investment assessment. To effectively implement the new office, quantity surveyors should develop practical recommendations, such as using reliable construction cost benchmarks, whole-life costing methods and independent project assessments.

They must also maintain professional independence, provide sound technical advice and manage conflicts of interest transparently. The national interest should remain at the forefront of their professional responsibilities as Ghana invests in critical infrastructure.