President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Surveyor Mallam Issah Ishak as the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Highways Authority (GHA).

This appointment marks the first time a Quantity Surveyor has been selected to lead the institution since its establishment in 1974.

The Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS) expressed its profound appreciation for the President’s decision, recognising it as a progressive step towards acknowledging the diverse expertise required in Ghana’s road infrastructure sector.

The institution conveyed its gratitude in a formal letter, commending the President’s commitment to broadening the leadership scope within the GHA.

Historically, the CEO position of the GHA has been held primarily by Civil Engineers, despite provisions in the now-repealed Ghana Highway Authority Act, 1997 (Act 540) allowing for professionals with relevant experience in the road industry to be appointed.

The GhIS noted that it believes that this new appointment signifies a major shift in leadership selection, emphasising the value of administrative and managerial skills over purely technical backgrounds.

"Your Excellency, the leadership and entire fraternity of GhIS are delighted by your appointment of Surv. Mallam Issah Ishak as the Ag. Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA). We extend our sincere gratitude for this historic decision, as this marks the first time a Quantity Surveyor has been appointed to this prestigious role since the GHA's establishment in 1974 under the now-repealed Ghana Highway Authority Act, 1997 (Act 540)," the letter read.

The institution also cited a previous precedent in 2001 when former President John Agyekum Kufuor appointed Surv. Alex Twumasi-Boakye, a Quantity Surveyor, as the Director of the Department of Urban Roads.

It added that his outstanding performance later earned him the position of Chief Director at the Ministry of Roads and Highways, where he oversaw major developments in Ghana’s road infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the appointment of Surv. Mallam Issah Ishak was also celebrated at the recently concluded 20th Surveyor's Week and 56th Annual General Meeting in Accra, which was themed, "Harnessing and Projecting Surveying Competencies: A Catalyst for National Development and Embracing Emerging Opportunities."

The event recognised the significance of the appointment as a landmark achievement for the surveying profession in Ghana.

GhIS expressed confidence in Surv. Ishak’s ability to bring immense value to the GHA, particularly with his expertise in procurement, value management, cost estimation, project analysis, contract administration, financial reporting, and risk management.

The institution said it believes his leadership will significantly contribute to the government’s infrastructure agenda, especially in light of the country's current financial challenges.

GhIS also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government’s road and infrastructure projects under President Mahama’s leadership.

"Against this backdrop, the GhIS is particularly thrilled by your decision and views it as a progressive step in acknowledging the diverse expertise required in Ghana's road infrastructure sector," the letter added.

See the letter below



MA