Accra: Dr Dominic Ayine, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, has emphasised the importance of ensuring justice and efficiency in arbitration proceedings.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Ayine highlighted the need for arbitration to balance efficiency with due process, noting that while efficiency is crucial, it should not come at the expense of justice.
He was delivering the keynote address at the Second ICC Ghana Arbitration and ADR Day in Accra on the theme, 'Ensuring Justice and Efficiency in Arbitration: The Balance Between Legal Representation and Tribunal Intervention.' He called for a regime where arbitration would be tailored to meet the unique needs and circumstances of parties, particularly when states are involved.
The Attorney General shared his personal experience as a former Deputy Attorney General, where he witnessed firsthand the challenges of coordinating multiple government agencies to gather evidence for submissions and the bureaucracy that burdens the payment of counsel, tribunal, and expert fees. Dr Ayine advocated for arbitral rules specifically tailored to accommodate the unique circumstances of state parties, emphasising that efficiency should not be seen as a stand-alone value, but rather combined with adherence to due process.
The event, hosted by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Ghana, brought together local and international experts to discuss the latest developments and best practices in arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR). In attendance were notable figures, including Mrs Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, the Chief Justice, Madam Claudia Salmon, President of the ICC Court of Arbitration, Ag Chairman of ICC Ghana Mr James Anaman, Vice Chair of the Ghana Bar Association, Ms Victoria Barth, and Ministers of State.
The Second ICC Ghana Arbitration and ADR Day provided a platform for discussions on arbitration, justice, and efficiency, reflecting Ghana's commitment to promoting international arbitration and ADR as effective means of resolving disputes. Mr Emmanuel Doni Kwame, Secretary General of ICC Ghana, informed the gathering of the passing of Alhaji Asoma Banda, the founding Chairman of ICC Ghana.
Madam Claudia Salmon, President of the International Court of Arbitration, reiterated the ICC Court's commitment to Africa. 'We are committed to working hand-in-glove with the African business community, the African arbitration community, and the legal community to strengthen the arbitration infrastructure, promote arbitration in Africa, and promote African arbitrators.'
She highlighted several initiatives including the largest representation of African court members in the history of the court, the expansion of the Africa team, the creation of a Young Arbitration and ADR Forum Chapter, and the role of the ICC Africa Commission. Last year, the Advanced Arbitration Academy for Africa was launched, marking a crucial step in the ICC Court's effort to contribute to diversity and inclusion.
Awards were given to all former representatives of Ghana to the ICC International Court of Arbitration. Other distinguished personalities who were also given awards included President John Dramani Mahama, Madam Sophia Akuffo, and the late Alhaji Asoma Banda.
