194 professionals graduate from Alternative Dispute Resolution, Security & Research Institute
A total of 194 professionals from various sectors across the country graduated from the Alternative Dispute Resolution, Security & Research Institute (ADR-SRI) in Accra on Saturday, August 2, 2025, after completing months of intensive training.
The graduating class included 73 Professional Executive Masterclass students, 31 Executive Certificate in International Arbitration recipients, and 90 members from the Professional ADR Practitioners and the Global Peace Builders Association of Ghana.
The well-attended event, marking the third graduation ceremony of the institute, also featured the presentation of special awards to distinguished personalities.
Among the honorees were His Lordship Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei of the Supreme Court, who received the ADR-SRI Distinguished Personality and Excellence in ADR Leadership Award, and His Lordship Justice Kweku T. Ackaah-Boafo, who was presented with the Judicial Excellence and Transformative Leadership Award.
Others are His Royal Majesty, Torgbuiga Ashiakpor Akp VI (Distinguished Traditional Leadership and Development Award), Nana Otafregya Osei Bonsu ESQ (The Golden Star Excellence Peace Award), His Lordship Justice S. A Brobbey (Distinguished Jurist and Regional Stateman) and Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng (Distinguished Statemanship and National Legacy Award).
The rest are ACP Emmanuel Lartey Lawson (ADR-SRI Sentinel of Honour Medal Award), Sergeant Monica Darabor (Award for Dedication and Professional Conduct), Dr. Irene Nartey (The ADR-SRI Peace and Women Empowerment Excellence Award) and Madam Dora Afari (Compassionate Educator and Community Peacebuilder).
The event was held under the theme: “Empowering Peacebuilders: Advancing Professionalism and Innovation in Alternative Dispute Resolution.”
Commitment
President of ADR-SRI, Dr Maxwell Acheampong reaffirmed the institute's commitment to training thousands of qualified ADR professionals to support Ghana’s justice system by easing court congestion through effective Court-Connected ADR. He emphasized the institute’s international focus on developing world-class arbitrators to meet the needs of Ghana's and Africa’s growing business sectors.
He said the ADR-SRI is also building global partnerships with institutions like the City Institute of Higher Learning (Canada) and Kumasi Technical University.
Dr Acheampong further pledged the institute’s support to the Government of Ghana in addressing national conflicts through dialogue and structured resolution, contributing to sustainable peace and development.
"As President of ADR-SRI, I want to reaffirm to you all that our dedicated team is committed to training thousands of highly qualified ADR professionals for this nation," he said.
"We are working hand-in-hand with the Judicial Service to help decongest our courts by promoting effective Court-Connected ADR mechanisms that resolve disputes faster, more affordably, and with greater restoration of relationships."
"We are also focused on the international front. ADR-SRI is deeply committed to producing world-class international arbitrators—skilled professionals who can support corporate, commercial, and cross-border disputes with competence, integrity, and a deep sense of justice," Dr Acheampong stressed.
Responsibility
He reminded the graduates that they carry a responsibility to promote peace, truth, and justice in a world of inevitable conflict.
He further celebrates not just the academic achievement of the graduates, but their dedication, growth, and commitment to a greater purpose.
"Today, we are not just celebrating certificates. We are celebrating sacrifice, transformation, and purpose. To our graduating students, I say a heartfelt congratulations! You have pushed through hours of online learning, in-person practical training, real-life simulations, and deep reflection. You have earned your place here," he said.
"To our partners and stakeholders here and abroad, we thank you. We are proud to collaborate with institutions such as City Institute of Higher Learning in Canada and Kumasi Technical University. Together, we are building a global network of excellence and shared vision," he added.
Registrar's address
Mrs Abigail Agyeiwaa Acheampong, Registrar of ADR-SRI, outlined three key purposes of the gathering: to celebrate the achievements of graduates who have undergone rigorous ADR training; to promote professional excellence and uphold high ethical standards in a growing field; and to inspire innovation and leadership in dispute resolution.
She emphasized the need for ADR to evolve with changing societal dynamics and reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to peacebuilding as a practical, impactful profession that restores relationships and supports societal harmony.
"As we confer certificates and celebrate accomplishments, let us remember that the journey of a peacebuilder does not end here. It only begins. May this gathering ignite renewed energy and collective resolve to raise the standards and reach of ADR across Ghana, Africa, and the globe," she said.
"Congratulations once again to the Class of 2025. We are proud of you, and we expect much from you. You are now custodians of peace — go forward with integrity, innovation, and impact," she added.
