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The National Secretariat of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) of the Judicial Service has sensitized traditional leaders and students in the Sunyani West Municipality on Court-Connected Alternative Dispute Resolution (CCADR).
The exercise, held at the Fiapre Circuit Court, aimed to enhance public understanding of ADR mechanisms and strengthen traditional leaders’ capacity in handling customary arbitration. It was part of activities marking the 2026 ADR Week from March 16–20.
Madam Christiana Puorideme, Acting National Deputy Director of ADR, explained that CCADR, introduced in 2005, facilitates faster, amicable dispute resolution and reduces the burden on courts.
“When your case is referred to ADR for mediation, you own the process. Once parties reach a consensus and the agreement is accepted by the court, the decision cannot be appealed,” she said, adding that mediators guide parties but cannot impose decisions.
Angelina Mensah-Homiah, Justice of the Court of Appeal and Judge in charge of ADR, highlighted the critical role of traditional authorities in customary arbitration and urged them to follow laws to ensure fairness and credibility.
“When you arbitrate, listen patiently to all parties and ensure the process is properly conducted, so outcomes are not later challenged in court,” she advised.
Justice Mensah-Homiah also noted reforms aimed at reducing adjournments and accelerating court adjudication.
Enoch Amoah, a participant, described the exercise as insightful, noting it deepened his understanding of ADR as a means of resolving disputes outside traditional courts.
ADR officials later visited Bechem and Duayaw Nkwanta Courts in Ahafo, Berekum, Dormaa Courts, and Sunyani High Court in the Bono Regions to promote ADR awareness and use.
