CJ advocates for ADR as key to Commercial Justice, Economic Growth

Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Essaba Sackey Torkornoo has urged legal professionals, business leaders, policymakers, and the general public to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as an essential tool for resolving commercial conflicts efficiently.

In a speech delivered on her behalf by Justice Angelina Mensah-Homiah, a Justice of the Court of Appeal, during the launch of ADR Week in Kumasi on Monday, March 17, the Chief Justice highlighted ADR's role in easing court congestion while ensuring businesses can operate in a stable legal environment.

ADR Week 2025: Strengthening Commercial Justice

The 2025 ADR Week, themed “Building the Pillars of Justice Delivery through Commercial Justice ADR,” runs from March 17 to March 21. The Chief Justice underscored the significance of ADR mechanisms—such as mediation and arbitration—not only for their efficiency but also for their ability to preserve business and personal relationships.

Despite ADR's many advantages, she acknowledged that awareness and adoption remain challenges, as many businesses and individuals still favor traditional court processes. To counter this, the Judiciary is ramping up efforts to educate the public and enhance the expertise of ADR professionals.

Judiciary Expands ADR Awareness Efforts

As part of this initiative, the Judiciary has already begun outreach programs, engaging various sectors, including cocoa cooperative societies, traders’ associations, and financial institutions. The next phase will extend these efforts to transport unions and other key industry groups.

The Chief Justice also pointed to the effectiveness of Ghana’s Commercial Courts and pre-trial settlement procedures, which have successfully streamlined case resolutions. Legal provisions such as Order 58 of CI 47 and the District Court Rules, CI 59 mandate judges and magistrates to encourage disputing parties to consider ADR before proceeding with litigation.

Court-Connected ADR: A Tool for Economic Stability

She emphasized that Court-Connected Alternative Dispute Resolution (CCADR) has significantly contributed to economic stability, allowing businesses and individuals to negotiate realistic settlement terms.

ADR Week Activities

Throughout the week, 138 ADR-connected courts across the country will host mass mediation sessions, public sensitization campaigns, and media engagements aimed at increasing awareness. Additionally, training sessions for judges, magistrates, and court users will further reinforce the Judiciary’s commitment to making ADR a preferred method of dispute resolution.