Accra, July 26, GNA – The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre has warned that unethical practices and unqualified service providers risk undermining public confidence in alternative dispute resolution.
The Centre called on professionally trained ADR practitioners to uphold ethical standards and expose practices that could bring the profession into disrepute.
Dr Francis Kofi Korankyi-Sakyi, Executive Secretary of the ADR Centre, made the call at the graduation ceremony of the Institute of Paralegal Training and Leadership Studies (IPLS) at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana, Legon.
He said poor mediation practices could damage relationships and weaken confidence in ADR.
“If you restore relationships, then that is ADR. Any ADR practice that ends with a broken front of a relationship is not ADR.”
Dr Korankyi-Sakyi stressed that no recognised profession could thrive without high standards.
“We cannot allow standards to be dropped. Standards should always be maintained.”
Dr Korankyi-Sakyi expressed concern about what he described as the growing number of individuals and institutions offering ADR services without the requisite professional competence, legal foundation or ethical practice.
“When you go on social media, there are a lot of adverts with all sorts of individuals and institutions offering ADR courses. One week, two weeks, one month, online and in person.
“The profession requires that we regulate and ensure that the right thing is done,” he stated.
Dr Korankyi-Sakyi said the Centre had also observed organisations presenting themselves as ADR centres without meeting professional requirements.
He said some institutions were conducting mediation training without recognised standards, while others were issuing certificates that did not reflect adequate practical training.
“There are also individuals who also present themselves as mediators despite receiving little or no training.
“The fact that you have a PHD like me, does not make you an ADR Professional, you need to have professional training,” he said, adding that such practices posed a significant threat to the credibility of the profession.
Dr Korankyi-Sakyi announced that the Centre would soon launch a website to enable the public to verify recognised ADR institutions and practitioners.
“We want to make sure that the ADR profession is respected as any other profession in this country.”
Dr Korankyi-Sakyi said the Centre’s mandate was to ensure compliance with the profession’s regulatory framework.
“Our role is to promote excellence, protect the integrity of the profession and ensure that the public receives competent ADR services,” he said.
Dr Korankyi-Sakyi said the Centre would conduct regular inspections of ADR institutions and introduce a grading system to promote compliance with professional standards.
The objective was to help institutions meet the required standards rather than close them down.
A total of 124 students graduated with Professional Executive Master in ADR (PEMADR) and Professional Executive Master in General Paralegal Studies (PEMGPS) qualifications during the ceremony, which was held on the theme: “Justice Beyond the Courtroom: The Options ADR and Paralegal Studies Could Offer.”
Mr Daniel Owusu Koranteng, President of the Ghana National Association of ADR Practitioners, called on the Government to invest more in ADR processes and improve practitioners’ conditions of service.
“It is time for the government to address the structural problems associated with ADR practice in the country.”
He said many mediators engaged in Court Connected Mediations had made significant sacrifices.
Mr Alex Nartey, Governor of IPLS, urged the graduates to serve as ambassadors of peace and uphold the ethical standards of the profession.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Joyce Danso