By Eric Appah Marfo
Accra, July 18, GNA – The Ghana Association of Certified Mediators and Arbitrators (GHACMA) is advocating for the growth of Victim-Offender Mediation (VOM) and additional Restorative Justice (RJ) methods within Ghana's legal framework.
At a gathering in Accra, Mr. Martin C. Nwosu, head of GHACMA's Restorative Justice Committee, highlighted RJ as an essential change to reduce the pressure on Ghana's overburdened criminal justice system.
Our courts are overwhelmed with lawsuits—some so trivial they don't warrant full trials.
"Under the concept of restorative justice, both the victim and the perpetrator have the opportunity to meet, talk about the damage done, and decide on ways to repair it. This approach is more advantageous than just punishing the offender," he stated.
The workshop was hosted by GHACMA in partnership with the Centre for African Peace and Conflict Resolution (CAPCR), along with California State University, Sacramento.
It united representatives from the judicial system, police, universities, non-governmental organizations, and local groups.
GHACMA and CAPCR are pushing for increased public education, professional development for those involved in the justice system, the creation of private mediation centers, and legislative changes to integrate restorative justice into Ghana's criminal justice system.
Mr. Nwosu criticized the punitive aspect of the existing system, pointing out that victims are frequently overlooked once the State takes over the prosecution, while offenders experience shame and isolation after their sentence, which raises the likelihood of them committing crimes again.
He claimed that small cases, like non-aggravated assault and property damage, fill courtrooms without producing significant results.
"A man hits another person. He may be fined or sent to jail. But what does the victim gain from this? Restorative justice enables the involved parties to communicate, make amends, and live together peacefully," Mr. Nwosu explained.
He referenced Ghana's Courts Act (Section 73) and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act, 2010 (Section 64) as current legal frameworks supporting RJ, but highlighted that the judicial authority to direct cases toward mediation is seldom utilized and frequently postponed.
Referrals occur only following the initial court hearing, which may last as long as two or three months—resulting in avoidable delays.
Mr. Nwosu advocated for RJ to be integrated at pre-trial, trial, and post-trial phases to enhance access and adaptability.
Professor Ernest Uwazie, head of CAPCR, stated that RJ aims at fixing damage, supporting victims, reforming offenders, and helping both sides return to the community.
It is particularly important in reducing recidivism by tackling underlying issues such as social isolation and trauma.
He described restorative justice approaches including victim-offender mediation, peacemaking circles, family group conferences, and community reparations panels, while warning that restorative justice should be part of a larger plan that includes funding for education, health, and job opportunities for young people.
Mr. William Pitt, the Acting Chair of GHACMA's Interim Management Committee, praised the seminar as a crucial move toward improving justice reform.
He showed assurance that the event would encourage courageous discussions, increase understanding, and enable participants to promote rehabilitative methods.
Mr. Pitt highlighted the importance of Ghana reviewing its judicial system—not just from the perspective of punishment and legal procedures, but by prioritizing compassion, recovery, and reintegrating individuals into society.
He pointed out that restorative justice goes beyond being just a framework; it is a powerful movement changing the concept of justice within societies, organizations, and worldwide communities.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
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