The Governing Board of the Alternative Resolution Centre under the Alternate Dispute Resolution Act 2010 (Act 798) of Ghana, has been inaugurated by President Akufo-Addo.
It comes 14 years after the passage of the ADR Act 2010, which mandates the establishment of the National ADR Centre.
Inaugurating the board at the Jubilee House in Accra, the President stressed the importance of promoting ADR in enhancing justice delivery in Ghana, and urged the board to ensure the productive growth and success of Ghana’s ADR regime.
The membership of the Governing Board, Chaired by Justice Victor Jones Mawulom Dotse, a retired Supreme Court judge, comprising representatives from key sectors as stipulated in Act 798, consists of Mr. Francis Kofi Korankye-Sakyi, Ghana Chamber of Commerce; Michael Gyang Owusu, Ghana Bar Association; Surv. Jose Nicco-Annan, Ghana Institute of Surveyors; Justice Angelina Mensah-Homiah, Judiciary; Ms. Joyce Adu, Institute of Chartered Accountants; Mrs. Philomena Aba Sampson, Organized Labor; and Mrs. Efua Ghartey, presidential nominee.
The Board, governed by section 115 of the ADR Act, is tasked with a series of objectives aimed at facilitating and promoting ADR practices across Ghana. One of its primary responsibilities is to provide facilities for the settlement of disputes through arbitration, mediation, and other voluntary procedures. To support these processes, the Board is required to maintain a register to offer a list of arbitrators and mediators upon request, ensuring that parties have access to qualified professionals.
In addition, the Board is required to set guidelines on fees for arbitrators and mediators, arranging the necessary assistance to uphold these standards. It is also mandated to undertake research, provide education, and publish specialized materials on ADR to enhance understanding and implementation of these practices.
To further its reach and effectiveness, the Board is mandated to establish regional and district offices as needed, bringing ADR services closer to the communities. Moreover, it is mandated register qualified individuals serving as customary arbitrators and collaborates with traditional councils on the registration process, integrating customary practices within the broader ADR framework.
Following the swearing-in of Board members, President Akufo-Addo announced that his office would collaborate with the Board to appoint an Executive Secretary, as outlined in section 117(1)(e) of the ADR Act.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Jubilee House was attended by dignitaries including Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, the Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame, and Minister of Trade and Industry, K. T. Hammond.
