Accra: Mr. Michael Nyoagbe, the President of the Geospatial Society of Ghana, has emphasized the importance of embracing geospatial technology to facilitate resource access and improve governance. He urged stakeholders to advocate for policies that support geospatial data sharing and open access, while investing in training programs to prepare the next generation of geospatial professionals.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Nyoagbe made these remarks at the Second Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Ghana Geospatial Society in Accra, themed ‘Geospatial Excellence for Digital Growth: Fostering Innovation and Collaboration to Unlock Ghana’s Potential.’ He highlighted the role of geospatial technologies as essential tools in addressing challenges posed by rapid urbanization, expanding infrastructure, and climate change.
Mr. Nyoagbe explained that technologies such as Geographic Information Systems, remote sensing, and location-based analytics are transforming industries ranging from finance and log
istics to agriculture and public health. He called on the government and geospatial professionals to nurture local talent to create solutions tailored to Ghana’s unique challenges.
Mr. Tony Ntiabo, CEO of Tenth Generation Technology Systems Africa and a keynote speaker at the conference, discussed the benefits of geospatial technology in various sectors. He noted its impact on agriculture through satellite imagery that optimizes crop yields and conserves water, as well as its role in smart city management, disaster response, and supply chain management.
Dr. Benjamin Armah Quaye, Head of Special Projects at the Lands Commission, who chaired the meeting, emphasized the transformative power of geospatial technologies in urban planning, disaster response, and environmental management. He stressed the importance of continuous innovation and collaboration among government, academia, development partners, and the private sector.
Professor Prosper Laari, Vice President of the Ghana Geospatial Society, stated that
Ghana has significant potential to benefit from developing its geospatial industry, especially in the context of increasing digitalization. He pointed out that geospatial technology is crucial for socio-economic development globally, positioning Ghana at the forefront of this advancement.
Geospatial technology involves the use of digital tools and methods to collect, analyze, and interpret geographic data, integrating systems like GIS, GPS, and remote sensing to understand spatial relationships and patterns. Common examples include online mapping platforms, GPS navigation systems, satellite imagery, GIS software, and location-based services.
