Gomoa manso: Obrempong Nyanful Krampah XI, the Omanhene of Gomoa Ajumako Traditional Area, has unveiled an Arbitration and Mediation Center at Gomoa Manso. The center aims to promote peaceful adjudication of land and chieftaincy disputes, which have been affecting the growth of the area.
According to Ghana News Agency, the center will function as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism to facilitate amicable settlement of cases. This initiative is expected to ease the pressure on law courts and reduce costs incurred by litigants. During the unveiling ceremony, Obrempong Nyanful Krampah emphasized that the center would foster harmony in the Gomoa Ajumako Traditional Area, contributing to peace and development.
The Gomoa Ajumako Traditional Council has appointed Osofo Nana Nkrumah Danwuah I, the Nkabohene of the area, as the chairman. He will be supported by Divisional Chiefs to adjudicate cases. The center will also serve as a learning and reference point for other traditional councils in the Central region and beyond.
Participants at the ceremony, including lawyers, judges, chiefs, and family heads, described the center as 'historic'. They expressed hope that it would enhance the chieftaincy institution in Gomoa and beyond. The Omanhene urged Divisional Chiefs and others to support the center in uniting the chiefs and people of the traditional area.
Nana Osompa Osofo Kweku Nkrumah Danquah, the center's chairman, expressed optimism that the center would reduce the number of land and chieftaincy cases pending in courts. He highlighted the benefits of the center, such as reducing legal fees and costs for parties seeking justice, and mentioned that marital disputes would also be resolved there. However, criminal cases will not be entertained at the center.
Nana Danquah urged all traditional councils to establish similar centers to alleviate the burden on judges and lawyers. He also commended Obrempong Nyanful Krampah for his wisdom and maturity in managing chieftaincy issues. Mr. Benedict Bosu Simpson, counsel for the Gomoa Ajumako Traditional Council, praised the initiative and encouraged others to emulate it. He urged the center's chairman and members to apply the rule of law and fairness to all parties.
Mr. Victor Kusi, a judge at the Agona Swedru Magistrate's Court, also commended the establishment of the center and reiterated the importance of upholding the rule of law for the benefit of the people in Gomoa and Agona.