Chief Justice, Ministers call for embrace of ADR as national week launches in Sunyani

In a significant push to decongest the courts and foster communal harmony, the Chief Justice of Ghana, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has joined regional ministers and judicial stakeholders to launch this year’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Week at the Sunyani High Court.

The ceremony, held on Tuesday, brought together judges, legal practitioners, and traditional authorities under the theme of promoting faster, more cost-effective justice. The event was graced by the Bono East Regional Minister, Francis Owusu Antwi, and his Bono Regional counterpart, Joseph Addae Akwaboah.

ADR Week is an annual fixture on the judicial calendar designed to raise public awareness about mechanisms like mediation, arbitration, and negotiation. These methods are being championed as less adversarial alternatives to traditional litigation, aimed at preserving relationships while delivering timely justice.

Addressing the gathering, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie emphasized that strengthening ADR remains a “key priority” for the judiciary. He noted that the increasing volume of cases before the courts places immense pressure on the formal justice system.

“Promoting alternative methods is imperative to ease this burden and ensure timely justice delivery,” the Chief Justice stated. He highlighted that beyond reducing case backlogs, ADR is crucial for maintaining relationships in sensitive matters such as family, land, and commercial disputes. He encouraged the public to utilize ADR services available at courts nationwide.

Hon. Francis Owusu Antwi stressed the role of ADR in fostering social harmony. He observed that many community-level disputes could be resolved amicably if parties embraced dialogue, thereby avoiding the acrimony and delays of prolonged litigation.

Echoing the call for an accessible justice system, Hon. Joseph Addae Akwaboah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to initiatives that improve legal efficiency. He urged citizens, corporate bodies, and institutions to view ADR as a viable first option for dispute resolution.

The week-long celebration in Sunyani will feature a series of activities, including public sensitization programs and on-site mediation sessions. Stakeholders believe that a cultural shift toward ADR will not only decongest the courts but also contribute significantly to national development by promoting a culture of peace and swift reconciliation.