The Ghana Association of Certified Mediators and Arbitrators (GHACMA) has provided training to individuals, with an aim of enabling them to set up and operate private Alternative Disputes Resolution (ADR) centres.
The ‘GHACMA Community ADR Centres’ is an initiative developed to introduce ADR in communities all0 over Ghana. Its vision is to provide accessible and inexpensive ADR services to assist disputants resolve their disputes right at their doorsteps.
Chairperson of GHACMA, Georgette Francois, in her remarks explained that: “As the use of ADR in resolving disputes is becoming more and more popular in Ghana, the demand for ADR Centres is beginning to grow. Though countless persons have undergone the ‘40-hour skills based training’ in ADR, the lack of ADR Centres operating in the country continues to pose a challenge to the development of ADR in Ghana. Over 90 percent of persons who have received ADR skills-based training are unable to set up their ADR centres because they have not received the necessary training”.
The training workshop on how to successfully establish, operate and market ADR centres is therefore timely, exceptional and meets a need that has not been met in society.
The training had ten individuals – both private law practitioners and businessmen and women, and covered some topics like: definition of ADR centre; types of ADR and ADR centres; rational, merits and limitations; legal framework for establishment of ADR centres in Ghana; the ADR centres under the ADR Act; and establishment of ADR centre – legal requirements, taxation requirements, logistics and resources.
Executive Member of GHACMA, Martin C. Nwosu – speaking on the need for such initiatives, mentioned that they have become very necessary. He added that the courts get crowded with some cases pending for months, which could have gone through ADR.
“It will not be easy for you, but be determined because GHACMA will be behind you. This is now a flagship programme of GHACMA. You should continue to improve your ADR services. We expect you to organise sensitisation programmes in your churches and communities,” he noted.
About GHACMA
The Ghana Association of Certified Mediators and Arbitrators (GHACMA) is a network of professionals who offer affordable alternate dispute resolution services to business entities, both large and small. Whether involved in an employment or contractual dispute, or any other legal matter, the network of professionals offers affordable dispute solutions.0
