By D.I. Laary
Koforidua, July 18, GNA – As part of its countrywide initiative to encourage the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), the Ghanaian Judicial Service has concluded a seven-day awareness campaign in major courts, organizations, and relevant parties within the Eastern Region.
The campaign, which took place between July 14 and July 20, 2025, sought to enhance public awareness of ADR and promote its use as a solution to Ghana's increasing court case backlog.
Justice Angelina Mensah-Homiah, a member of the Court of Appeal and a judge responsible for overseeing the Court-Connected ADR (CCADR), headed the awareness campaign team that traveled to more than 20 sites, interacting with various groups such as judicial personnel, financial organizations, transport unions, educational establishments, religious groups, and customary leaders.
The journey started on July 14, including stops at the High Court, District Court, and Circuit Court in Nsawam, then the District Court in Suhum.
At every stop, Justice Mensah-Homiah highlighted the importance of ADR in decreasing case backlogs and maintaining relationships.
"ADR is a fundamental aspect of delivering justice. It conserves time and resources, and encourages harmonious living," she said.
On the 15th and 16th, the group conducted early morning awareness workshops at Absa Bank, Ghana Commercial Bank, and Societe Generale in Koforidua.
These meetings focused on bank employees and customers, emphasizing the importance of ADR in settling financial conflicts without going to court.
The group also had discussions with representatives from the GPRTU of TUC, PROTOA, and Heritage transport unions at the taxi stands in Koforidua and Accra Station.
Justice Mensah-Homiah urged drivers and union representatives to explore ADR as a means of settling disagreements, particularly those related to road accidents and issues with passengers.
On July 16 and 18, students and staff from Koforidua Technical University and SDA College of Education received awareness sessions.
The meetings centered around encouraging young people and the part that alternative dispute resolution plays in fostering community involvement and understanding of the law.
A significant feature was the interaction with the New Juaben Traditional Council and Queen Mothers on July 17.
Justice Mensah-Homiah outlined the legal structure of customary arbitration as defined by the ADR Act 2010 (Act 798), highlighting its validity and enforceability when willingly embraced.
Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, the Omanhene of New Juaben, praised the effort and promised the backing of customary leaders in advancing ADR.
Later in the day, the group met with the Market Women Association in Koforidua, urging vendors to settle conflicts peacefully using mediation and arbitration.
The awareness tour ended on July 20, featuring visits to the Central Mosque, ICGC Jesus Temple, and Church of Pentecost in Koforidua.
Religious figures were encouraged to direct their followers toward peaceful methods of resolving conflicts and to oppose illegal settlements in significant criminal cases.
ADR is not appropriate for all cases," she warned. "Issues that require constitutional interpretation, severe crimes such as murder and rape, and environmental violations need to go through the official legal procedures. However, for civil conflicts, ADR provides a quicker and more peaceful way to achieve justice.
The awareness tour takes place before the official start of ADR Week, set for July 21–25, 2025, under the theme
Constructing the Foundations of Fairness in Conflict Resolution via Non-Traditional Methods.
The Judicial Service will organize large-scale mediation sessions at 138 courts across the country that are linked to alternative dispute resolution and will keep up with public awareness initiatives.
GNA
Edited by D.I. Laary and Christian Akorlie
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