ACCRA: Dr. Anthony Arko-Adjei, President of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS), has urged surveyors, especially quantity surveyors, to prioritize sustainability in construction cost management. He emphasized that this approach is crucial for delivering environmentally responsible, cost-efficient, and resilient structures. According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Arko-Adjei made these remarks at the closing ceremony of a three-day conference organized by the International Cost Engineering Council (ICEC) and the Africa Association of Quantity Surveyors (AAQS) in Accra. He highlighted that sustainability in construction has become a necessity, not just an option, and stressed the importance of ensuring that projects adhere to current standards while addressing future challenges. The conference, hosted by the GhIS, aimed to promote international collaboration, knowledge sharing, innovation exchange, and capacity building. Held under the theme 'Reimagining the Future of Cost Management: Sustainability and the Digital Frontier,' it attracted both local and international professional quantity surveyors. Dr. Arko-Adjei encouraged surveyors to embrace modern technology and innovation to make smart, cost-effective decisions that could reduce carbon emissions in Ghana's built environment. Dr. Arko-Adjei noted the successful impact of the conference, stating that it had influenced local surveyors' perspectives on their profession and its role in sustainability. He emphasized the importance of professionalism, collaboration, and public engagement in surveyors' work, from land acquisition to project completion, to ensure proper planning and development. Highlighting the role of surveyors in national development, Dr. Arko-Adjei explained that their responsibilities cover all aspects related to land and property, including cost management, project monitoring, and value-for-money audits. He underscored that surveyors possess a wide range of professional qualities that underpin development in any country. Michael Frimpong, a GhIS member, praised the conference for its technical discussions, which provided participants with essential knowledge and introduced them to new, technology-driven, efficient, and cost-effective surveying tools.