The 2019 Afadjato Mediation Expedition, organised by ADR Daily to promote mediation, and ADR in general, as the most viable means for amicable resolution of disputes, has ended at Gbledi Gbogame in the Volta region amidst excitement among participants.
The expedition involved the training of chiefs in the Afadjato area, and the trekking of Afadjato, Ghana’s highest mountain, by a group of mediators and other professionals, to resolve disputes at the summit of the mountain.
Saturday’s event, which attracted mediators, arbitrators, lawyers, magistrates, bankers, human resource managers, union leaders, businessmen, security officers, traditional leaders, pastors and students among others, also aimed at enhancing awareness creation about ADR in the country.
The maiden expedition offered lessons on mediation through various presentations by ADR experts, as well as the opportunity for sharing experiences, and networking among the professionals.
The participants were from various institions including the Judicial Service, Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG), Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU), Marian Conflict Resolution Centre (MCRC), Omaboe & Associates, AllTime Capital, Liaison Peace Centre, Telecommunication Organised Staff Association of Ghana (TOSAG) and the Gamey &Co ADR Centre among others.
It offered a combined effect of practical mediation learning, exercising and nature exploration that helped participants to develop and promote a social responsibility to prevent or resolve disputes amicably.
While the chiefs and community leaders were happy for the training that equipped them with the necessary mediation skills to resolve disputes more effectively, the visiting participants who hiked the mountain lauded the objective of the expedition which offered them a lifetime experience.
In addition, the mediation clinic opened for the community as part of the expedition, helped to resolve a number of disputes, while creating ADR awareness among the community members.
By Edmund Mingle/ www.adrdaily.com
