Alternative Dispute Resolution to be mandatory for judges – CJ

The Judiciary is taking steps to ensure that the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is adopted by all judges in the country’s law courts.

According to Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo, the novelty is to enhance ADR methodology widespread for conflict resolution within the judiciary.

Speaking at the launch of Gamey and Co. ADR Centre in Accra on Friday 13 April 2018, the Chief Justice said the judiciary will not stand in the way of two parties attempting to settle disagreements through ADR.

"We are considering making ADR even in the courts mandatory for all civil disputes before they come to trial as I have already said. Already, this is yielding results because I have made it clear to all the civil trial judges that in evaluating performance, we are not just going to count how many judgements you ruled by, we’re going to look at the methodology before it even came to trial," she said.

Ms Akuffo emphasised the importance of ADR mechanisms in the country’s judicial system and called for its adoption by all judges.

According to her, meditation and arbitration is an accepted public means of resolving disputes.

Ms Akuffo also urged ADR practitioners to uphold integrity to build public confidence.