Accra: Seventy thousand cases have, so far, been resolved through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Ghana over the past decade, Professor Enyonam Canice Kudonoo has said. She noted that ADR had not only enhanced affordability and accessibility but had also reduced the backlog of cases in the courts across the country.
According to Ghana News Agency, Prof. Kudonoo, a Lecturer at Ashesi University, delivered these remarks at the Institute of Paralegal Training and Leadership Studies (IPLS) graduation ceremony. The event, held at GNAT Hall in Accra, celebrated 71 graduates from the Professional Executive Master in ADR (PEMADR) and Professional Executive Master in General Paralegal Studies (PEMGPS) November 2025 Cohorts. The ceremony was themed: 'Equipped for Justice and Service Through ADR and Legal Knowledge Among Non-Lawyers.'
Alternative Dispute Resolution offers mechanisms such as arbitration and mediation for settling disputes without resorting to traditional court trials. Prof. Kudonoo encouraged the new graduates to leverage their expertise to positively impact communities within Ghana and beyond, emphasizing genuine service over financial gain.
Prof. Kudonoo further urged the graduates to adopt a restorative justice approach, aimed at fostering peace, fairness, and justice. She highlighted the importance of confidentiality in ADR, advising the graduates to create environments that encourage disputants to openly share their issues, thereby uncovering the root causes of disputes.
She advised practitioners to maintain objectivity and to employ ADR principles to efficiently resolve conflicts. Additionally, she proposed the establishment of ADR desks in various workplaces to address and resolve conflicts amicably.
Mr. Daniel Owusu-Koranteng, President of the Ghana National Association of ADR Practitioners (GNAAP), advised the graduates to remain impartial and to avoid body language and tones that could imply mistrust. He emphasized that neutrality would help build trust and confidence among disputants.
Mr. Alex Nartey, Governor of IPLS, encouraged the graduates to become job creators rather than job seekers, urging them to uphold high standards in their professional endeavors. He reminded them to act as ambassadors of IPLS, distinguishing themselves among their peers through hard work and integrity.
The IPLS, founded in February 2013, is a registered training and development institute in Ghana. It focuses on promoting ADR, human rights-based approaches to development in Paralegal Studies, and enhancing capacities in Management and Leadership Studies. The institute has successfully trained numerous professionals from various backgrounds.