By Benjamin Akoto
Sunyani, (Bono), Nov. 26, GNA -Mr Paul Frimpong, the Bono Regional Coordinator of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), has urged Ghanaians to opt for ADR in dispute and conflict resolution, instead of the traditional court system.
He said ADR was not only affordable, but also efficient, saying “ADR services are economical and beneficial that significantly reduce the number of court appearances, saving time and resources.”
Mr Frimpong gave the advice in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani on the sidelines of the 2025 ADR Week celebration.
Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie launched the 2025 ADR Week celebration, spanning Monday, November 24 to Friday, November 28 on the theme: “Adoption of Innovation and Technology to Enhance Access to Justice Delivery through ADR”.
Mr Frimpong said despite the numerous benefits, public awareness about ADR remained low, hence the need for the celebration of the Week to intensify awareness creation.
“We want more people to know about our services and the advantages they offer,” he stated, citing that disputes that could take 10 years or more in the traditional courts could be resolved within three months or less through ADR.
Mr Frimpong commended the support of the judiciary towards the use of ADR in settling disputes, saying “unlike in the past, many judges now understand and embrace the ADR system.
“My conversation with a Judge in Sunyani reveals that his court is handling about 800 cases and 80 percent of those cases are ADR oriented and he was collaborating with ADR mediators to determine how best the cases can be managed and resolved.”
Mr Frimpong emphasised that: “Some litigations can span generations, but with the ADR those litigations can be resolved within weeks or months.”
GNA
Edited by Dennis Peprah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah