Kumasi: A judge of the Court of Appeal has called on court users in Ghana to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms as a tool for resolution of disputes to ensure expeditious determination of cases brought before the courts. Justice Angelina Mensah-Homiah, who made the call, said the adoption of ADR in settling disputes has enormous benefits for both parties as well as the courts.
According to Ghana News Agency, Justice Mensah-Homiah spoke to the media after engaging with the leadership of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) on the benefits of ADR in Kumasi. The engagement was part of a week-long series of activities leading up to the 2025 ADR week, scheduled for March 17-21, under the theme: 'Building the Pillars of Justice through Commercial Justice ADR.' Other institutions engaged by the Judicial Service team included Sinapa Aba Savings and Loans and Pacific Savings and Loans.
The theme for the ADR week, which will be launched on March 17 in Kumasi, underscores the importance of commercial justice, thus prompting engagements with the business community in the Ashanti Region. Justice Mensah-Homiah, who also oversees Court-Connected ADR, highlighted the success of ADR mechanisms since their introduction into the justice system in 2005, resolving over 38,000 cases to date.
She expressed hope that the recent sensitization efforts would result in a significant increase in cases resolved through ADR when the ADR Week is launched. The courts are currently inundated with both civil and criminal cases, prompting the Chief Justice to form a committee to explore various methods to address the backlog, with ADR being one of the recommended solutions.
Justice Mrs. Dorinda Smith Arthur, a High Court Judge who was part of the Judicial Service team, encouraged GUTA members to opt for cooperation and ADR in resolving disputes rather than pursuing litigation. She noted that prolonged cases could adversely affect their businesses by consuming time that could be used to focus on their livelihoods.
Ms. Christiana Puorideme, a Chief ADR Officer, urged participants to take advantage of the mass adjudication of cases during the ADR Week to resolve their disputes efficiently.
