Traditional ruler calls for strengthening of ADR mechanisms to help decongest courts
Nana Dr. Susubiribi Krobea Asante, paramount chief of Asokore in the Sekyere East district of Ashanti region, has called for collective efforts to strengthen Alternative Dispute Resolutions (ADR) mechanisms in the country’s justice system.
He explained that ADR mechanisms such as mediation, arbitration, and negotiation provided faster and less formal ways of settling disputes, and strengthing it would help reduce cases in the law courts and prolonged litigations.
Nana Dr. S.K.B Asante, who is also an eminent constitutional lawyer, speaking to Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview at Asante- Asokore, indicated that ADR mechanism also brought peace and harmony among disputed parties.
He said ADR enabled parties to resolve conflicts amicably without going through lengthy and costly litigation.
Additionally, ADR had significantly helped to decongest the courts by diverting many civil, commercial, and even some family disputes away from formal court proceedings, thus contributing to reducing delays in the administration of justice within the courts.
He noted that, court congestion often resulted in prolonged case durations, rising legal expenses, and emotional strain on litigants.
“Some cases are reported to remain unresolved for years due to the heavy workload on the courts, making ADR a necessary alternative”, he stated.
Dr. S.K.B Asante, added that, ADR offered a more efficient approach by encouraging dialogue and compromise between disputing parties.
It helps parties reach mutually acceptable solutions within a shorter period, thereby, saving time and reducing the burden on the judiciary.
He added that, ADR did not only reduce pressure on the courts, but also promoted peace building and helped preserve relationships among individuals, families, and business partners.
This makes it particularly useful in community-level disputes, which he said was common at Asante -Asokore.
He said ADR ensured that judges and court officials focused on more and constitutional cases, than trivial ones.
Effective judicial system enhances public confidence in legal processes.
Dr. SKB Asante, called for extensive public education on ADR, stronger institutional support, and training of more mediators to enhance its effectiveness.
This he said would improve access to justice and strengthen confidence in the legal system.
He called on the public to embrace ADR to ensure faster and less costly arbitrations to foster peaceful co-existence among families and in the communities.
Source: GNA