The World Bank Senior Procurement Specialist and Procurement Hub Coordinator for Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, Ms. Lina Tutunji, has said that Contract Management is not only about applying rules, it is also about judgment, negotiation and practical problem-solving.
Ms. Lina Tutunji said this on Monday, April 28, 2025, when she delivered an opening address to begin a four-day FIDIC Course on Contract Management training for professionals on World Bank projects, at the Engineering Centre, Roman Ridge, Accra.
The 50 participants were drawn from Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Cape Verde and Gambia. They are project staff, all of whom are at the forefront of implementing World Bank-financed projects in West Africa.
The 4 days training workshop (Monday, 28th April – Friday, 2nd June, 2025, is on the management of contracts under the FIDIC conditions of contract, focusing on the Red Book.
Lina Tutunji states that the FIDIC contract workshop represents a significant step forward in the joint endeavors of the World Bank and various governments to enhance the quality, efficiency, and robustness of the infrastructure projects managed by the World Bank throughout West Africa.
This training is happening in collaboration with the Ghana Consulting Engineers Association for the second consecutive year.
As most people understand, effective purchasing processes and contract management are crucial for the success of any development initiative.
Depending on a well-planned and effectively carried out procurement process, contract management guarantees that projects are finished both on schedule and within budget. It also assures that these projects meet the high standards of quality and sustainability expected by our communities,” Lina clarified.
She observed that the FIDIC Conditions of Contract serve as a globally acknowledged benchmark and hold significant importance within the contractual structures employed by the World Bank, particularly concerning construction contracts.
This relies on the accord established between the World Bank and FIDIC in 2017, which permits the utilization of FIDIC Standard Forms of Contract within the framework of the World Bank’s Standard Procurement Documents.
Grasping the framework, principles, and processes that FIDIC contracts offer for managing risks and resolving disputes is crucial for guaranteeing the seamless execution of infrastructure projects.
During his welcoming speech, the President of the Ghana Consulting Engineers Association (GCEA), Ing. Kwabena Bempong, stated that this World Bank/FIDIC training workshop assists participants in acquiring the necessary skills for effective contract management. He emphasized that an important aspect of this program is teaching how to accurately interpret the clauses within these documents.
He noted that the workshop facilitator, Engineer Abdel Hafiz Abdel Moniem, is well-acquainted with Ghana and possesses extensive knowledge of our operations across Africa. With more than 27 years of experience as a chartered civil engineer, he also holds certification from FIDIC as a contract manager and has earned a master’s degree in construction management.
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