Justice Eric Kyei-Baffour, a Justice of the Court of Appeal, has urged newly certified Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) professionals to carry their credentials with humility and a sense of purpose, rather than pride or hesitation.
In a world obsessed with self-promotion, humility was often misinterpreted as weakness, but it remained an essential virtue for those who served justice and humanity, he noted.
“It is not a lack of confidence. Humility is not being reluctant to make objective contributions and making your voice heard when it is needed most, especially when evil is triumphant. Humility involves trust in your work and the plan that it has for you,” he said.
Justice Kyei-Baffour gave the advice in a keynote address on Saturday in Accra during the graduation ceremony of the 2025 Cohort of International Arbitration and Mediation Professionals of the Centre for International Mediators and Arbitrators (CIMA).
He encouraged the graduates to emulate the servant-leadership model exemplified by Jesus Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve.
Justice Kyei-Baffour charged the graduates to pursue excellence through specialisation, explaining that success required resilience, consistent effort, and a mindset that pushed personal limits.
“You are not in the world to compete with anyone, but to be the best, to dominate. There are more courses and opportunities you need to explore, to rise to the very top, and be the best in the industry.”
“Do not remain as a generalist in the world that honours expertise. Specialise, publish, network, speak, and let your presence be felt not only in Accra…Go further,” he advised.
Justice Kyei-Baffour highlighted the growing demand for ethically grounded, culturally intelligent, and professionally mature ADR experts in a globalised world where cross-border disputes were increasingly complex.
He praised the CIMA for its pivotal role in elevating African representation in international arbitration, stressing that institutions like CIMA was creating its “own tables and not waiting for seats at others.”
Mr Francesco Campagna, President of CIMA and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Mediators and Arbitrators (FCIMArb), in his welcome address, applauded the efforts of the graduates and faculty, encouraging the cohort to remain engaged and bridge cultural gaps through peaceful resolution of disputes.
“Let this not be the end of your journey but the beginning. Every dispute resolved peacefully is a gift to society,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Ambassador Abdul-Salam Yussif II, ACIMArb, described their achievement as a calling, not just a certification.
“We have not just earned certificates, we have acquired a calling, a calling to resolve these issues with dignity and to contribute meaningfully to the ever-evolving field of ADR.”
“We express our heartfelt appreciation to the leadership of CIMA and its distinguished global faculty who challenge, inspire us, help us and shape us into reflective, skilled and praiseable practitioners,” he said, expressing gratitude to CIMA’s leadership, sponsors, and global faculty.
He congratulated his fellow graduates, urging them to apply their expertise to impact the world by being wise voices, guiding others with fairness in justice delivery, clarity and conviction.
CIMA is a global provider of ADR training, known for its diverse representation across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
It was recently confirmed as the title sponsor of the 2025 MMHC International Maritime Competition in the Maldives, underscoring its growing international influence.