Dr. Bernice Welbeck, Director of Administration and Human Resources at the National Labour Commission (NLC), has advised organisations to adopt mediation as a means of resolving workplace and labor disputes.

Describing mediation as an effective mechanism for resolving work-related conflicts, Dr. Welbeck emphasised that the negative effects of labor unrest make it crucial for organisations to use professional mediation to prevent or resolve disputes.

In her presentation on labor dispute management and industrial relations development at the 5th Mediation Expedition held at Aburi Gardens, which concluded over the weekend, Dr. Welbeck underscored the importance of using mediation as the first line of response to workplace disputes.

The annual Mediation Expedition, organized by the Gamey and Gamey ADR Institute and ADR Daily, brought together professionals from various fields for an immersive three-day mediation skills development workshop.

The event was held under the theme, “Shaping Sustainable Peaceful Futures Through Quality ADR Practice.”

The Mediation Expedition, part of the Gamey and Gamey ADR Institute’s Professional Executive Master of ADR (PEM.ADR) training featured practical mediation simulation exercises, community engagements to raise ADR awareness, and networking opportunities.

Dr. Welbeck explained that early mediation can prevent disputes from escalating to the NLC, helping to reduce time, costs, and potential disruptions for all parties involved.

“Mediation offers a timely and amicable way to handle labor disputes, allowing parties to engage in open dialogue and find mutually acceptable solutions before issues escalate into crises,” she stated.

She also urged both internal and external mediators to uphold the highest standards of professionalism when mediating workplace or labor disputes. She added that, for instance, parties should be given ample opportunity to share their stories, which is a pivotal step in achieving resolution.

“When parties feel heard, they are more likely to engage in constructive dialogue, which is at the heart of mediation,” she said.

In addition, Dr. Welbeck stressed the importance of empathy and respect for mediators, urging them to never overlook or dismiss any concerns raised by the parties. “Every complaint, no matter how minor it may seem, is significant. A mediator’s role is to acknowledge these concerns with sensitivity,” she reminded them.

Commending the objectives of the Mediation Expedition, Dr. Welbeck lauded the event as a vital initiative for building skilled mediators who will support the growth of Ghana’s ADR industry. She also praised the participants for their commitment to advancing ADR practices and contributing to a culture of peaceful dispute resolution, particularly in the labor sector.

The expedition, supported by Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG), Golden Exotics, Millennium Insurance, and HPW Fresh & Dry, highlighted the importance of ADR—particularly mediation—in addressing conflicts across various sectors in Ghana and beyond.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Austin Gamey, Founder of the Gamey and Gamey ADR Institute, urged mediators to intervene in resolving some of the country’s ongoing institutional and community disputes, including the Bawku chieftaincy conflict, which he believes requires mediation.

“Society needs mediators for sustainable peace. As mediators, we must add value to our homes, organizations, and communities by preventing disputes from escalating or by helping to resolve conflicts,” he said.

Mrs. Lizzy-Ann Kwagbedzi, Deputy CEO of Gamey and Gamey Group, encouraged the participants to leverage the new skills they had acquired to become change agents within their organizations.

She pointed out that Ghana’s rapidly growing ADR industry requires skilled professionals to provide quality ADR services to organizations and individuals, helping to sustain public confidence in the industry.

She assured the participants that the Gamey and Gamey ADR Institute would continue to play a leading role in supporting the industry’s growth by producing highly skilled ADR professionals to effectively facilitate dispute resolution.

Mr. Edmund Mingle, Editor of ADR Daily and Event Coordinator, expressed gratitude for the support from event sponsors, which has advanced the mission of promoting ADR as a sustainable means of conflict resolution in Ghana.

He noted that the expedition provided a unique platform for professionals to sharpen their mediation skills, aligning with the sponsors’ shared vision of fostering peace and development in the country.