GhIE launches ADR Centre to speedily resolve legal battles in construction sector

The Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) has taken a step towards reshaping dispute resolution in the country’s engineering and construction sector with the launch of its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre in Accra.

The Centre is the first of its kind to be established within a professional engineering body in Ghana and one of the earliest on the continent, positioning GhIE as a pioneer in promoting contractual justice through technical arbitration.

The launch brought together dignitaries from the judiciary, industry, and international engineering bodies, including the Acting Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, and the president of the Federation of African Engineering Organisations (FAEO), Engineer Refilwe Buthelezi.

A vision of peace and justice

In his address, the President of GhIE, Engineer Ludwig Annang Hesse, described the ADR Centre as “the birth of a vision, a vision of peace, reconciliation and justice that promotes the development and well-being of our people here in Ghana, in Africa and in the world.”

He warned that unresolved disputes in engineering often led to abandoned projects, wasted resources, and strained relationships. Citing the proverb, “When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers,” he called for a culture of proactive conflict management.

“We cannot continue to churn out projects without feasibility studies or proper procurement processes. These oversights only set the stage for costly disputes. This Centre is part of the solution,” he added.

Judiciary endorsement

The Acting Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, lauded the initiative as timely, stressing that the courts alone cannot manage the rising caseload of technical disputes.

“The judiciary cannot do it alone,” he stated, adding that “If we are to deliver justice that is timely, fair, and efficient, then specialized institutions such as this ADR Centre must complement the work of the courts. It will ensure that disputes, especially those of a technical nature, are resolved by experts who understand them best.”

Industry perspective

The Volta River Authority (VRA), which sponsored the remodeling of the facility to house the Centre, praised GhIE for providing a practical solution to the challenges of litigation.

Deputy Chief Executive, Samuel Kwesi Fletcher, noted: “Engineering is collaborative by nature, but conflicts are inevitable. Traditional litigation is costly and time-consuming. This Centre will help us resolve disputes constructively and keep critical national projects on track.”

Continental significance

Delivering a goodwill message, FAEO President, Engineer Refilwe Buthelezi, hailed Ghana’s leadership, declaring: “You have set the path, not only for Ghana but for Africa. This initiative ensures that ADR becomes a permanent pillar of engineering integrity across the continent.”

She revealed that FAEO is working with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat to integrate engineering ADR practitioners into cross-border trade and infrastructure frameworks, signaling the Centre’s continental relevance.

Legal strength and flexibility

The President of the GhIE ADR Board, Michael Owusu Gyang, emphasised that arbitration decisions from the Centre will carry the force of law.

“The Ghana ADR Act provides that an award from a panel of arbitrators is enforceable as a judgment of the court,” he explained.

He also highlighted the flexibility of ADR: “ADR is party-driven. Unlike the rigid timelines of the courtroom, arbitration allows disputes to be resolved at a pace that matches their complexity.”

Building local expertise

The Centre has already commenced training engineers in mediation and arbitration, building a pool of Ghanaian experts capable of resolving technical disputes. This reduces reliance on foreign practitioners and ensures outcomes rooted in local realities.

The Centre will be chaired by Justice Barbara Frances Ackah-Yensu, retired Supreme Court Judge, supported by a five-member board of eminent professionals.

A turning point

The launch of the GhIE ADR Centre marks a significant milestone in the delivery of justice within the engineering and construction sector. By providing a specialized, impartial platform, it promises to safeguard public investment, strengthen professional accountability, and promote collaboration over confrontation.

For Ghana, the Centre signals a new era where technical disputes need not stall development, but instead become opportunities to demonstrate integrity, innovation, and leadership on the African stage.

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