The Ghana Institution of Engineering has launched the Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre Resolution (ADR) Centre.
The centre is expected to settle conflicts in the engineering and construction sector quickly, fairly, and with technical expertise at the core.
The need arose for the ADR centre to address increasing disagreements between contractors and state agencies over contract terms and disputes about design specifications and project executions.
Highlighting the need for the conflict resolution Centre, President of the Ghana Institution of Engineering Ing. Ludwig Annang Hesse is optimistic that the conflict resolution centre will expedite action on construction disputes.
“Engineers are no longer willing to allow conflicts to derail national development.”
“The Centre is also expected to make the industry fairer. Small and medium contractors, who often cannot afford lengthy court battles, now have an accessible way to resolve disputes,” he added.
He also called for strict adherence to Public Financial Management Regulations, LI 2411, emphasising the need for government to subject all construction projects and procurement to strict scrutiny to avoid unnecessary disputes.
Unlike other ADR bodies, the GhIE Centre focuses specifically on engineering and construction disputes.
“Many disputes were previously handled abroad by people unfamiliar with Ghana’s realities,” said Ing. Annang Hesse.
In his keynote address, Ag. Chief Justice His Lordship Paul Baffoe-Bonney commended the initiative. He assured that swift judicial action will be taken on all construction disputes.
Refilwe Buthelezi, President of the Federation of African Engineering Organisations (FAEO) applauded the GhIE for the establishment of the hybrid court. She was of the belief that other African countries will emulate the proactive steps taken by the institution.
This Centre builds national capacity, blending legal authority with engineering know-how.
This hybrid approach means rulings will be legally binding but also grounded in the technical realities of Ghanaian projects.
Levelling the Playing Field
Small and medium contractors, who often cannot afford lengthy court battles, now have an accessible way to resolve disputes.
Government agencies will benefit too, as disputes can be settled quickly, ensuring projects like hospitals, roads, and schools are completed on time.
Beyond dispute resolution, the Centre aims to become a capacity-building hub, training engineers to serve as mediators and arbitrators and embedding dispute-avoidance strategies in project planning.
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