GNAAP urges Government to boost ADR infrastructure and support for justice reform

The Ghana National Association of ADR Practitioners (GNAAP) is urging the government to prioritize investment in court infrastructure to create dedicated spaces for mediators, such as offices and conference rooms.

According to the association, the current conditions under which mediation sessions are conducted do not reflect the nation’s commitment to using Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as a legitimate method for settling disputes.

GNAAP is also calling for improvements to the legal framework governing ADR and more resources for training practitioners. Speaking at a graduation ceremony for 58 newly certified ADR professionals from the Institute of Paralegal Training and Leadership Studies (IPLS) in Accra, the President of GNAAP, Daniel Owusu Koranteng, emphasized the importance of ADR in transforming the justice system.

The ceremony, held under the theme “ADR: A Path to a More Just and Peaceful World,” marked a significant step forward in promoting ADR as a vital tool for equitable justice in Ghana.

He noted that Ghana’s inherited litigation-based judicial system often falls short of effectively resolving disputes and providing justice. Koranteng highlighted ADR as a more inclusive, people-centered approach that holds promise for legal system reform.

Addressing the backlog of cases in the courts, he advocated for channeling appropriate disputes through ADR to ease congestion and improve access to justice, especially for those unable to afford lengthy legal battles.

Koranteng further urged fair compensation for court-appointed ADR mediators to reflect the professional and ethical standards expected of them. He also proposed an amendment to the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act, 2010(Act 798) to formally recognize GNAAP as the governing body for ADR in Ghana. At the time the law was enacted in 2010, there was no such professional body, but today GNAAP stands as the sole national association for ADR practitioners.

In his address to the graduates, Koranteng encouraged them to uphold integrity and authenticity in their practice, noting that these qualities are increasingly rare but highly valuable. He reminded them that while the profession may not always offer immediate financial gain, it presents unique opportunities and serves a greater national purpose.

Also speaking at the event, Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, a Political Science Lecturer at the University of Ghana, emphasized the potential of ADR to resolve longstanding land and chieftaincy disputes. He pointed out that ADR offers a direct and compassionate alternative to traditional litigation, which can often leave parties bitter or emotionally distressed.