Judicial Service expands court mediation program
The Judicial Service in Ghana will recruit professional mediators to expand its Court-Connected Alternative Dispute Resolution (CCADR) program. This move shifts from training new recruits to engaging already certified professionals. It aims to reduce case backlogs and improve efficient justice delivery, following coordination with the newly established ADR Centre. This initiative underscores efforts to standardize dispute resolution processes and professionalize the sector, with potential impacts on the judiciary's efficiency and overall economic stability by fostering quicker dispute resolution.
Ghana’s Judicial Service will recruit more professional mediators to expand its Court-Connected Alternative Dispute Resolution (CCADR) programme. This initiative aims to improve justice delivery across the country. The recruitment follows approval from the CCADR Secretariat.
This new approach marks a significant shift. The Judicial Service will now engage already professionally trained and certified practitioners. Previously, individuals were recruited and then trained to become court mediators. This change seeks to ensure higher standards and immediate effectiveness in dispute resolution.
This initiative fits into Ghana’s broader economic and political story by enhancing judicial efficiency. Delays in court cases often impact business operations and investor confidence. A more efficient dispute resolution system can foster a stable economic environment and attract investment. The CCADR programme has historically helped reduce case backlogs over the past two decades.
Justice Angelina Mensah-Homiah, Judge-in-Charge of the CCADR Programme, announced this development. She spoke during a visit by Dr. Francis Kofi Korankye-Sakyi. Dr. Korankye-Sakyi is the Executive Secretary of the new Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre. Justice Mensah-Homiah described the ADR Centre's establishment as timely and necessary. She noted the CCADR Secretariat could now use the Centre's database of accredited practitioners for recruitment.
The expansion of the CCADR programme implies faster resolution of commercial and civil disputes. Businesses and individuals will benefit from quicker settlements, reducing legal costs and uncertainties. Decision-makers and markets will observe how effectively this new recruitment strategy and collaboration with the ADR Centre streamline judicial processes. This could positively influence perceptions of Ghana's legal environment.
The ADR Centre, the new regulatory body for ADR practice, will now play a crucial role. Justice Mensah-Homiah urged the Centre to create a national database of accredited ADR professionals. This database will improve public access to qualified mediators and arbitrators. The growing use of ADR requires better coordination and standardized practices to maintain consistency and professionalism.
The High Court (Civil Procedure) (Amendment) Rules, 2020 (C.I. 133) allow judges to mediate cases with participant consent. Justice Mensah-Homiah called for enhanced training to equip judicial officers for these responsibilities. Such training ensures that all aspects of dispute resolution are handled professionally.
Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo of the Supreme Court welcomed the ADR Centre's establishment and its partnership with the Judicial Service. He described it as a vital step in strengthening the CCADR programme. He highlighted the two decades of achievement in reducing case backlogs through the initiative.
Dr. Korankye-Sakyi announced plans for a national Practice Manual to standardize ADR procedures. This manual aims to improve professionalism among practitioners, aligning with the ADR Act, 2010 (Act 798). He also stated that work on a Legislative Instrument is underway to fully activate the Centre’s regulatory powers. These actions aim to bring more structure and predictability to the ADR sector.
The Centre will operate on three core principles: “Resolve, Reconcile, and Rebuild.” These principles aim for sustainable dispute resolution outcomes. Dr. Korankye-Sakyi also advocated for strengthening mandatory ADR processes for civil cases, citing international examples. He stressed the need for continuous capacity building for mediators to enhance professionalism.
Mr. Austin Gamey, a labour and ADR expert, called for greater sensitization of lawyers on ADR benefits. He emphasized that ADR complements traditional litigation rather than replacing it. This broad support from key stakeholders indicates a strong push towards a more integrated dispute resolution system.
Deputy Director of the Judicial Training Institute, Jacob Soung, underscored the need for continuous training for judges and magistrates. Additionally, Justice Olivia Obeng Owusu, President of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana, affirmed growing judicial support for ADR. These statements reinforce ADR's central role in modern justice delivery.
Source: StatsGH — Ghana's data-driven news platform