Akufo-Addo inaugurates ADR board, commends A-G, Chief Justice

President Akufo-Addo has inaugurated the Governing Board of the Alternative Resolution Centre under the Alternate Dispute Resolution Act 2010 (Act 789).

The inauguration ceremony, held at the Jubilee House was attended by esteemed dignitaries including the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, and the Attorney-General of the Republic, Godfred Yeboah Dame, alongside justices from various levels of the judiciary, the Bar President, and the Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. K. T Hammond.

The establishment of the Alternative Resolution Centre, mandated under section 114 of the ADR Act, marks a milestone fourteen years since the passage of the legislation.

The newly inaugurated Governing Board comprises representatives from key sectors as stipulated in section 117(1)(b) of Act 798:

1. Ghana Chamber of Commerce – Mr. Francis Kofi Korankye-Sakyi
2. Ghana Bar Association – Michael Gyang Owusu Esq.
3. Ghana Institute of Surveyors – Surv. Jose Nicco-Annan, FGhIS
4. Judiciary – Her Ladyship Angelina Mensah-Homiah
5. Institute of Chartered Accountants – Ms. Joyce Adu
6. Organized Labor – Mrs. Philomena Aba Sampson

Additionally, nominees by the President include:

1. Chairperson – Justice Victor Jones Mawulom Dotse
2. Nominee – Mrs. Efua Ghartey

President Akufo-Addo commended the efforts of the Attorney-General and the Chief Justice in establishing the Centre, emphasizing its importance in facilitating alternative dispute resolution mechanisms across Ghana.

The Board, governed by section 115 of the ADR Act, is tasked with the following objectives:

1. Facilitating ADR Practices: Providing facilities for dispute settlement through arbitration, mediation, and other voluntary procedures.
2. Register of Arbitrators and Mediators: Maintaining a register and providing a list of arbitrators and mediators upon request.
3. Guidelines and Fees: Offering guidelines on fees for arbitrators and mediators and arranging necessary assistance.
4. Research and Education: Conducting research, providing education, and publishing specialized materials on ADR.
5. Regional and District Offices: Establishing regional and district offices as deemed necessary.
6. Customary Arbitrators: Registering qualified persons serving as customary arbitrators and collaborating with traditional councils on registration.

Following the swearing-in of Board members, President Akufo-Addo announced that his office would collaborate with the Board to appoint an Executive Secretary, as outlined in section 117(1)(e) of the ADR Act.