The Judiciary has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as an effective means of resolving conflicts, justifying its numerous advantages over traditional litigation.
Speaking at the launch of the ADR Week in Kumasi, Her lordship Angelina Mensah-Momiah, the judge in charge of ADR in Kumasi, underscored the need for businesses and individuals to embrace ADR for faster and more cost-effective dispute resolution.
“ADR is the savior of our justice system. It offers an efficient means of resolving disputes in the modern world due to its numerous benefits over traditional litigation,”she stated.
She highlighted the financial burden that litigation imposes on businesses, including costly legal fees and prolonged court processes, which often lead to financial losses.
According to her, ADR not only saves money but also preserves business relationships, ensuring that parties in conflict can continue working together in the future.
“Time is money. Spending years in court over disputes only leads to financial losses. With ADR, disputes can be settled quicker, allowing businesses to focus on growth rather than legal battles,”she added.
Judge Mensah-Momiah also revealed that as of now, 188 courts across the country are connected to the ADR system, with more expected to join by the end of the year. She encouraged judges to continue sensitizing court users about the benefits of ADR to encourage its adoption.
Supervising High Court Judge in Kumasi, Her lordship Hannah Taylor, also emphasized the importance of ADR in the judicial system.
Quoting former U.S. Chief Justice Warren Burger, she noted that while many perceive courts as the primary avenue for dispute resolution, most people prefer swift and amicable settlements.
“People in conflict do not necessarily seek litigation; they seek resolution. ADR provides an effective and faster alternative to traditional court litigation,”she said.
Justice Taylor reiterated that ADR offers a cost-effective means of resolving commercial disputes, preventing excessive legal fees and interest accumulation on financial claims due to litigation delays.
She urged stakeholders to take advantage of ADR mechanisms, noting that its adoption would significantly reduce the backlog of cases in the courts, allowing the judiciary to focus on more complex legal matters.
The Ashanti Regional President of the Ghana Bar Association, Kwame Owusu Sekyere, also acknowledged ADR’s role in reducing legal congestion.
He however, expressed concern about the use of the media for dispute including marital issues. He encouraged the public to embrace ADR which he said enhance justice delivery.
ADR Week is observed to promote awareness and encourage the use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms across Ghana.
The initiative is part of ongoing judicial reforms aimed at improving access to justice and reducing litigation burdens.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
