Chief Justice Kicks Off ADR Week, Champions Tech-Driven Justice Reform

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The Launch of ADR Week: Embracing Innovation for a Modern Justice System

The Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, recently launched the nationwide Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Week for the first term of the 2025/2026 Legal Year. This initiative marks a significant step towards modernizing the justice system by emphasizing the adoption of technology and innovation to improve access to justice.

This year’s ADR Week is centered around the theme: “Adoption of Innovation and Technology to Enhance Access to Justice Delivery through Alternative Dispute Resolution.” The theme was described as timely and forward-looking by Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, who highlighted the need for the justice system to evolve alongside global technological advancements.

He pointed out that traditional litigation often remains slow, expensive, and adversarial for many Ghanaians. In contrast, ADR methods such as mediation, arbitration, conciliation, and negotiation offer faster, less confrontational, and more cost-effective solutions. These methods also help in preserving relationships and supporting dialogue, allowing for creative, interest-based solutions that traditional court processes may not provide.

Over the past two decades, the Court-Connected ADR (CCADR) system has resolved over 37,000 cases, significantly easing court congestion. Justice Baffoe-Bonnie emphasized that integrating technology into ADR would broaden access through virtual mediation, streamline processes via digital filing and automated scheduling, and enhance the overall user experience.

He assured that the Judicial Service is committed to building a modern digital ADR ecosystem through collaboration with mediators, judges, ICT professionals, and development partners. ADR Week, observed once in each legal term, focuses on mass mediation exercises and public sensitization across the country.

Agreements reached through mediation are adopted as consent judgments with full legal backing. Justice Baffoe-Bonnie encouraged judges to identify suitable cases for ADR, registrars to uphold professional diligence, mediators to maintain integrity, lawyers to guide clients toward ADR, and the media to support public education.

Operationalizing ADR Centres and Expanding Access

Justice Angelina Mensah-Homiah, Judge-in-Charge of ADR, emphasized the need for operationalizing the ADR Centres provided under Act 798. These centers allow citizens to access mediators and arbitrators without filing cases in court, further reducing caseloads. She disclosed that about 400 mediators had recently been recruited and would soon be deployed nationwide.

She also noted the mandatory ADR provisions under the Land Act, which suspends court jurisdiction until ADR avenues are fully explored. Mr. Moses Ayine Asampoa, Principal State Attorney and President of the Volta and Oti Bar Association, said ADR remained under-utilized despite existing legal frameworks. He urged lawyers to promote ADR to clients, stressing that discouraging ADR for financial gain was a professional misconduct.

He encouraged the Bar to embrace digital ADR tools, virtual mediation, paperless processes, and innovation to support modern justice delivery. Lawyer Godwin Kporble, Volta Regional Director of the Legal Aid Commission, highlighted ADR’s growing impact, citing national ADR caseload statistics that showed rising adoption. He called for greater collaboration with social welfare departments, chiefs, and traditional leaders.

Digital Transformation and Cybersecurity

Mr. Christian Kpatsi, Regional Director of CHRAJ, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to mediation, noting that many cases that clog the courts could be settled early if ADR personnel and facilities were adequately provided. Volta Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu, stated that the government’s proposed 24-hour economy required an efficient justice system.

He underscored the role of digital ADR platforms, virtual hearings, case-management systems, AI-supported conflict screening, mobile ADR apps, e-signatures, and data analytics in modernizing justice delivery. He cautioned that digital reform must be accompanied by strong cybersecurity measures and public education to build trust.

A Collaborative Effort

The launch brought together Supreme Court Justices, High Court judges, Circuit and District Court judges from the Volta and Oti Regions, members of the Bar, Judicial Service staff, traditional authorities, students, and other dignitaries. This collective effort underscores the importance of ADR in creating a more accessible, efficient, and equitable justice system.

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