A decade has passed since the Ghanaian Parliament enacted a law to establish the Alternative Dispute Resolution Center (ADR) in a bid to expedite the resolution of cases without the need for formal court proceedings.
The center was envisioned to promote customary arbitration and alleviate the burden on the judiciary. However, despite the well-intentioned legislation, the ADR Center remains inactive, leaving many to ponder when this much-needed resource will finally come to fruition.
The ADR Center, conceived in 2010, was designed to offer an accessible and efficient platform for parties involved in disputes to seek resolution through alternative means such as mediation, conciliation, and customary arbitration.
The primary goal was to unclog the court system by diverting cases that could be more expeditiously resolved through non-litigious methods.
Since its inception, the ADR Center has yet to materialize, prompting concerns about the delay and uncertainty surrounding its establishment. Many stakeholders, including legal experts, advocates, and citizens, are questioning when this valuable resource will become a reality.
Legal professionals and advocates have expressed the urgent need for the ADR Center to be operational, emphasizing its potential to not only decongest the courts but also foster a culture of dispute resolution through dialogue and consensus-building.
They stress that customary arbitration, in particular, holds significant cultural and community value, and its promotion through the ADR Center could have far-reaching positive effects.
As the clamor for the activation of the ADR Center grows louder, stakeholders are urging relevant authorities to expedite the necessary steps to bring this vital institution to life. They highlight the potential benefits it could offer to individuals and businesses alike, providing a swifter and more accessible avenue for resolving disputes.
With the passage of time, the pressing question remains: when will the Alternative Dispute Resolution Center in Ghana transition from a legislative vision to a tangible reality? As citizens await answers, the spotlight remains on policymakers and authorities to take the necessary actions to turn this noble establishment into a functional resource for the nation.
By: Edwin Kobina Coleman
