The Director of the Otumfuo Centre for Traditional Leadership (OCTL) at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Dr Joseph Gerald Tetteh Nyanyofio, has called on traditional leaders to consider Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as a means of resolving some disputes without resorting to the courts.
He said ADR had become an important mechanism for promoting peace and social cohesion, urging Nananom to, where possible, pursue certain disputes through out-of-court settlements.
Dr Nyanyofio made the call on Monday when he spoke to the media during a five-day ADR training programme for chiefs, queenmothers, family heads, staff of traditional councils and regional Houses of Chiefs at UPSA.
He explained that the OCTL had over the years remained committed to building the capacity of traditional leaders and staff of traditional councils.
According to him, the Centre had identified ADR as an important component of nation-building because several disputes, including marital conflicts, civil disputes, land matters and chieftaincy-related issues, could potentially be resolved without prolonged court processes.
Dr Nyanyofio expressed satisfaction with the maiden ADR training programme, which attracted about 60 participants from all 16 regions of Ghana.
The programme was organised in partnership with the Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands and Awoonor Law Consultancy.
Meanwhile, a lawyer, arbitrator and facilitator who doubles as the Sub-Divisional Queen of the Gbi Traditional Area, Mama Dzidoasi I, explained that although ADR could resolve many disputes, certain matters could not be subjected to the process under the ADR Act.
She cited criminal cases such as rape and murder, constitutional interpretation and certain public policy matters as examples.
She said ADR focused less on determining who was right or wrong and more on finding mutually acceptable solutions, making it a win-win approach that helped preserve relationships.
According to her, ADR was also less expensive and often resolved disputes within a shorter period compared to the conventional court system, where cases could remain pending for years.
Mama Dzidoasi I, therefore, urged Ghanaians not to take every dispute to court but to give ADR a chance, noting that the mechanism had existed for years and covered various processes, including customary arbitration, mediation and negotiation.
