Broaden knowledge, export expertise - Deputy A-G to ADR practitioners

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) practitioners have been urged to broaden their knowledge, learn best practices and export their expertise beyond the shores of the country. 

The Deputy Attorney-General (A-G) and Minister of Justice, Diana Asonaba Dapaah, said as ADR continued to evolve as a key mechanism for resolving disputes, practitioners must proactively adopt strategies that would ensure their relevance and effectiveness on both the local and global stages.

She was speaking at a Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Workshop (MCPDW) for members of the Ghana National Association of ADR Practitioners (GNAAP) at the University of Ghana last Saturday.

Event

The occasion, which was also used to induct 95 ADR graduates into the GNAAP and award certificates was on the theme: “The practice of ADR in Ghana, today and the future, what the practitioner must look for.”

It was organised by GNAAP, in collaboration with the Institute of Paralegal Training and Leadership Studies (IPLS), to improve and update the professional competence of members.

It was also aimed to increase their knowledge and confidence to meet the rapidly changing professional demands of ADR practice, including building a required network for the exchange of ideas and experience sharing.

Ms Dapaah said the AU and its sub-regional bodies such as ECOWAS, had championed the use of ADR mechanisms to address conflicts and promote stability on the continent.

She said people were tired of the adversarial system of resolving issues and challenges, hence the use of ADR in conflict resolutions.

She said through mediation, arbitration and conciliation, those organisations had facilitated resolutions in political disputes, territorial disagreements and governance-related conflicts.

“For example, ECOWAS has implemented ADR approaches in resolving disputes between member states and within fragile regions.

“These efforts underscore the importance of ADR practitioners being familiar with regional protocol and processes to effectively contribute to such resolutions,” the Deputy Attorney-General added.

She further advised them to invest in professional development to ensure that their services remained competitive.

“As ADR practitioners, continuous education is key to staying informed and effective, keeping up with international development allows practitioners to incorporate proven strategies and tools in their work”.

“Be ethically inclined and compliant. You will destroy your career if you are not aware of ADR ethics,” Ms Dapaah said.

The President of GNAAP, Daniel Owusu Koranteng, appealed to political leaders and security agencies in the country to consider the national interest by ensuring a peaceful transition of power.

Mr Koranteng said Ghana stood out due to its high tolerance level, tradition of inclusiveness and political and religious tolerance, among others.

The president also charged members to continue to be agents of peace in the country. 

Professionalism

The Founder and Patron of GNAAP, Alex Nartey, urged members not to undo each other for fame, but allow society to benefit from the skills and knowledge they had acquired.

He also entreated members to be guided by professionalism and ethics of the profession in their operations.

For her part, the Rector of IPLS, Theresa Afua Brown, recounted how ADR had been helpful in settling disputes and conflicts in homes and institutions over the years, saying it was the most efficient and safest way of resolving conflicts.