Resort to ADR mechanism in resolving disputes — Gamey

An Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) expert, Austin Gamey, has called on Ghanaians to resort to the use of ADR mechanisms in resolving disputes to further improve on the justice delivery system in the country.

He said the ADR concept was meant to complement the traditional court system by increasing and improving access to justice in a cheaper, faster and less acrimonious manner.

“It is very difficult to use litigation to resolve issues such as chieftaincy disputes, divorce, religious conflicts and land disputes. ADR is, therefore, the most appropriate method in resolving such cases,” he said.

Mr Gamey,  who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Gamey and Gamey ADR institute, was speaking at the 17th graduation and induction ceremony of the institute in Accra last Saturday.

Twenty-seven graduates were awarded certificates in professional executive master’s degree in ADR.

ADR

The ADR is basically a traditional form of resolving disputes without resorting to the law court.

The methods used include arbitration, negotiation and mediation.

Training

Mr Gamey stressed the need for arbitrators to acquire the necessary skills in the ADR method to equip them with the requisite knowledge to discharge their functions effectively.

“Conflicts, if not resolved or managed, can only lead to further conflicts. That is why it is important to train and develop the capacity of ADR practitioners and people who normally mediate in issues. The fact that you are a religious leader or an opinion leader does not mean that you can offer ADR services. You need to undergo the requisite training,” he said.

He further called for the full implementation of the ADR Act that was passed in 2010, adding that “the secretariat supposed to implement the act ought to have been established by now.”