Ghana Needs Properly Planned Infrastructure – Nana Nuamah Kyei-Baffour

Surv. Nana Nuamah Kyei-Baffour, Chairperson of the Quantity Surveying Division of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS), has emphasised that Ghana requires infrastructure that is properly conceived, accurately costed, and transparently procured in order to deliver lasting value to the nation.

Her statement highlights the essential principles that should guide every infrastructure project undertaken in the country. According to her, the foundation of any successful project begins with proper conception, meaning that projects must be thoughtfully planned and based on genuine national needs rather than political expediency or arbitrary decisions. Without this crucial first step, projects risk being ill-suited to the purposes they are meant to serve.

She further stressed the importance of proper costing, noting that accurate and realistic financial estimates are vital to prevent projects from stalling, exceeding budgets, or becoming abandoned altogether. Many infrastructure initiatives in Ghana have suffered from cost overruns and funding shortfalls, often because initial estimates were poorly prepared or deliberately understated.

Procurement also came under scrutiny, with the Chairperson calling for transparent and competitive processes that ensure value for money. She warned that flawed procurement practices open the door to corruption, inflated contracts, and substandard work, all of which undermine public trust and waste national resources.

Ultimately, Kyei-Baffour argued that infrastructure must be capable of providing sustainable value, meaning that projects should continue to benefit citizens long after completion. This requires quality construction, proper maintenance planning, and a long-term perspective rather than short-term political gains.

Her message serves as a call to action for policymakers, contractors, and all stakeholders in the built environment to uphold professionalism and integrity at every stage of project delivery. By adhering to these principles, Ghana can build infrastructure that truly supports development and improves the lives of its people.

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