The Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS) has cautioned public authorities against automatically interpreting differences between compensation claims and assessments by acquiring authorities as evidence of fraud or professional misconduct.
GhIS is calling for a case-by-case assessment of disputed compensation claims following comments by the Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza. Agbodza suggested that the government might report two quantity surveyors to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) over alleged attempts to inflate compensation claims for properties affected by road projects.
Surveyors at Odds with Authorities
GhIS says it takes concerns about professional misconduct seriously but stresses that disputed compensation assessments should be examined individually and supported by evidence before any conclusions are drawn. The Institution points out that a difference between a compensation claim or independent valuation and an assessment by an acquiring authority does not, without more, constitute evidence of professional misconduct or deliberate inflation.
What's Behind the Disputes
GhIS explains that differences in compensation figures can arise from various factors, including the interests affected, heads of claim, valuation methodologies, market evidence, assumptions, and consequential losses. The Institution urges authorities to assess disputed compensation claims on their individual merits and consider the evidence and methodology underpinning each valuation.
Protecting Compensation Rights
GhIS cautions against drawing conclusions about professional misconduct solely from differences between amounts claimed by affected persons or their representatives and the figures assessed by acquiring authorities. The Institution says a proper assessment of the circumstances surrounding each disputed claim would help ensure that legitimate compensation rights are protected while any instances of professional misconduct or deliberate inflation are appropriately identified and addressed.
What's Next
The Ghana Institution of Surveyors' statement comes as the government considers reporting two quantity surveyors to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) over alleged attempts to inflate compensation claims. It remains to be seen how authorities will respond to GhIS's call for a case-by-case assessment of disputed compensation claims. One thing is clear, however: the dispute highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to compensation claims and professional conduct in Ghana's construction industry.
Source: Joy Online
