As part of its nationwide campaign to promote Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), the Judicial Service of Ghana has completed a week-long sensitization tour across key courts, institutions, and stakeholder groups in the Eastern Region.
The initiative, which ran from July 14 to July 20, 2025, aimed to deepen public understanding of ADR and encourage its adoption as a remedy for Ghana’s growing court case backlog.
Justice Angelina Mensah-Homiah, Justice of the Court of Appeal and Judge with Oversight Responsibility for the Court-Connected ADR (CCADR), led the sensitization team to visit over 20 locations, engaging diverse audiences including judicial officers, financial institutions, transport unions, educational institutions, religious bodies, and traditional authorities.
The tour began on July 14 with visits to the High Court, District Court, and Circuit Court in Nsawam, followed by the District Court in Suhum.
At each stop, Justice Mensah-Homiah emphasized the value of ADR in reducing case congestion and preserving relationships.
“ADR is a pillar of justice delivery. It saves time, money, and promotes peaceful coexistence,” she stated.
On July 15 and 16, the team held early morning sensitization sessions at Absa Bank, Ghana Commercial Bank, and Societe Generale in Koforidua.
These sessions targeted bank staff and clients, highlighting ADR’s role in resolving financial disputes without litigation.
The team also met with members of the GPRTU of TUC, PROTOA, and Heritage transport unions at Koforidua’s taxi ranks and Accra Station.

Justice Mensah-Homiah encouraged drivers and union leaders to consider ADR in resolving conflicts, especially those involving road incidents and passenger disputes.
Students and faculty at Koforidua Technical University and SDA College of Education were sensitized on July 16 and 18.
The sessions focused on youth empowerment and the role of ADR in promoting civic responsibility and legal literacy.
A key highlight was the engagement with the New Juaben Traditional Council and Queen Mothers on July 17.
Justice Mensah-Homiah explained the legal framework of customary arbitration under the ADR Act 2010 (Act 798), noting its legitimacy and binding nature when voluntarily accepted.
Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, Omanhene of New Juaben, commended the initiative and pledged the support of traditional leaders in promoting ADR.
Later that day, the team met with the Market Women Association in Koforidua, encouraging traders to resolve disputes amicably through mediation and arbitration.
The sensitization tour concluded on July 20 with visits to the Central Mosque, ICGC Jesus Temple, and Church of Pentecost in Koforidua.
Religious leaders were urged to guide their congregants toward peaceful dispute resolution and to discourage unlawful settlements in serious criminal matters.
“ADR is not suitable for every case,” she cautioned. “Matters involving constitutional interpretation, serious crimes like murder and rape, and environmental offenses must go through the formal judicial process. But for civil disputes, ADR offers a faster, more harmonious path to justice.”
The sensitization tour precedes the official launch of ADR Week, scheduled for July 21–25, 2025, under the theme
“Building the Pillars of Justice Delivery through Alternative Dispute Resolution.”
The Judicial Service will host mass mediation sessions at 138 ADR-connected courts nationwide and continue public education efforts.