Be abreast with Internationally proven strategies-Dep. AG charges ADR practitioners

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) professionals have been called upon to enhance their expertise, adopt best practices, and extend their services beyond national boundaries.

The Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Diana Asonaba Dapaah, emphasized the evolving importance of ADR as a preferred method for resolving disputes. She encouraged practitioners to adopt forward-thinking strategies to remain impactful locally and globally.

Ms. Dapaah made these remarks during a Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Workshop (MCPDW) organized by the Ghana National Association of ADR Practitioners (GNAAP) at the University of Ghana last Saturday.

The event, themed “The Practice of ADR in Ghana: Today and the Future – What Practitioners Must Look For,” welcomed 95 new ADR graduates into the GNAAP and awarded certificates to participants.

The workshop, a collaboration between GNAAP and the Institute of Paralegal Training and Leadership Studies (IPLS), aimed to enhance members' professional competence, equip them with up-to-date skills, and foster knowledge-sharing to navigate the changing dynamics of ADR practice.

Highlighting ADR’s growing significance, Ms. Dapaah noted the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS have increasingly relied on ADR mechanisms to resolve disputes and ensure regional stability. She pointed to ADR’s success in addressing political, territorial, and governance-related conflicts across Africa.

Ms. Dapaah stressed the importance of ADR practitioners understanding regional protocols and processes to contribute to these initiatives meaningfully.

She urged practitioners to prioritize continuous professional development, stating that staying current with global trends would allow them to adopt proven methods and remain competitive.

“As ADR practitioners, continuous education is key to staying informed and effective; keeping up with international development allows practitioners to incorporate proven strategies and tools in their work.”.

“Be ethically inclined and compliant. You will destroy your career if you are not aware of ADR ethics,” Ms. Dapaah said.

Promoting Peace and Professionalism

Daniel Owusu Koranteng, President of GNAAP, appealed to political and security leaders to prioritize national peace during political transitions. He praised Ghana’s culture of tolerance and inclusiveness, urging ADR professionals to remain peace ambassadors in their communities.

Alex Nartey, Founder and Patron of GNAAP, called on members to collaborate rather than compete for recognition. He emphasized that professionalism and ethical conduct must guide their operations to benefit society.

Adding to this, IPLS Rector Theresa Afua Brown highlighted ADR’s long-standing success in resolving conflicts in homes and institutions. She described ADR as a reliable and effective tool for achieving peaceful resolutions.