The government has been urged to upgrade the country’s court infrastructure to support the growing use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods, ahead of this year’s ADR Week celebration.
The call was made in a statement by the Ghana National Association of ADR Practitioners (GNAAP), which is advocating the provision of conference room facilities and offices for mediation sessions.
According to Mr. Daniel Owusu-Koranteng, the current lack of adequate infrastructure was hindering the effective use of ADR methods in the country.
The association’s call comes as Ghana prepares to celebrate ADR Week from Monday, March 17 to March 21, 2025.
This year’s celebration is themed “Building the Pillars of Justice through Commercial Justice ADR”.
Mr. Owusu-Koranteng stressed that confidentiality was a crucial ethical requirement in conflict management.
He, therefore, noted that holding mediation sessions in inappropriate venues undermined the professionalism and dignity of ADR practice, stating: “It smacks of unprofessionalism when mediators are compelled to hold mediation sessions in places that do not create the right atmosphere for confidentiality, reflecting the dignity and importance of ADR practice.”
He also called on the government to increase the allowances of ADR professionals who have volunteered to undertake Court-Connected ADR, adding that these peace-loving and committed people are making ‘huge sacrifices.’
“ADR has become a preferred means of conflict resolution in business circles, family issues, conflicts relating to land among others. The increasing patronage of ADR by many people of diverse professional and social backgrounds gives credence to the positive influence of ADR in addressing conflicts and contributing to peace building in our national life,” he indicated.
In this regard, the President of GNAAP commended the government and the Judicial Service of Ghana for establishing the ADR Week.
The ADR Week, he explained, has helped to raise national awareness about the importance of in resolving conflicts through consent agreements, particularly for parties who have resorted to court litigation.
“We commend the Chief Justice and the Judicial Service for selecting a theme that would make ADR part of the agenda of creating a conducive atmosphere for businesses to operate in an environment of peace to promote local businesses and attract foreign investments,” he added.
Story By: Anne-Marie Dedeei Ayerson
