Ashaiman, July 25, GNA-Ms. Georgette Francois, Chairperson for the Ghana Association of Certified Mediators and Arbitrators (GHACMA) has reiterated the need for Ghanaians to patronize the services of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
She said ADR reduced the workload on the court and provided better results in mediation, and arbitration among others.
Ms. Francois was speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency during a visit by students of California State University, Sacramento to the Ashaiman Central ADR in Greater Accra Region as part of a study tour to understand the African Justice System.
She explained that ADR was beneficial and urged all to learn about it and get it patronized; “I will encourage all who have any form of a dispute to use ADR as a first point of call because it’s flexible”.
She said ADR gave parties involved in a dispute the opportunity to work through disputed issues with the help of a neutral third party.
Ms. Francois said ADR processes were faster and less expensive than going to court, adding that when used appropriately it could save a lot of time by allowing resolution in days, weeks, or months, compared to the court system which could take years.
The GHACMA Chairperson stated that ADR works were usually less formal, less expensive, and less time-consuming than a trial and could give people more opportunity to determine when and how their dispute would be resolved.
She called on the government to make deliberate efforts to market and sensitize the public on the advantages of ADR in delivering effective and affordable, and timely justice.
She said there was a need to vigorously market the services of ADR to achieve its stated goals.
This, she explained could be achieved through strategic and effective public education.
Ms. Francois, who is also a lawyer and a private practitioner, stressed that the governments must engage in the promotion of ADR by funding the respective centres and ensuring that more people are trained.
GNA