Sunyani: The Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie on Monday launched the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Week in Sunyani, to promote quicker and less adversarial methods of dispute resolution within the judicial system.
According to Ghana News Agency, the week-long programme is scheduled between Monday, March 16 and Friday, 20, 2026, under the theme: 'Adoption of innovation and technology to enhance access to justice delivery through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).' Justice Baffoe-Bonnie explained that the week provides an opportunity for the ADR Directorate of the Judicial Service to engage the public on the availability and benefits of ADR within the court system.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie stated that the process allows people to explore dispute resolution through mediation, noting that the Court-Connected ADR programme has been adopted by the Judicial Service. He further explained that ADR facilitates faster, cheaper, and more accessible justice delivery, while being less adversarial.
He added that ADR Week brings together courts, mediators, members of the Bar, and the public to deepen awareness and encourage the wider use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Joyce Boahen, the Supervising High Court Judge for the Bono and Ahafo Regions, highlighted the importance of ADR in the administration of justice. She noted that ADR helps decongest the courts, reduces litigation costs, and enables disputing parties to preserve relationships by resolving their differences amicably.
Judge Boahen reported that 59 cases from four High Courts in the region have been identified as suitable for settlement through ADR or out-of-court settlement processes. She urged judges, magistrates, and lawyers to promote the use of ADR in resolving disputes, which allows parties to gain peace of mind and focus on productive activities, thereby contributing to national development.