In a significant move to modernize the Ghanaian legal system, Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has officially declared March 16 to 20, 2026, as National Alternative Dispute
Resolution (ADR) Week. Observed under the theme “Adoption of Innovation and Technology to enhance access to Justice Delivery through ADR,” the initiative aims to pivot away from traditional, adversarial litigation toward a faster, tech-driven mediation model.
The Chief Justice is scheduled to deliver a keynote address today at the High Court in Sunyani, Bono Region, marking the nationwide launch of the "Mass Mediation Exercise."
1. The Mass Mediation Exercise: 138 Courts Participating
For the duration of this week, the Judicial Service is pausing standard court proceedings in selected locations to focus exclusively on settling pending cases through mediation.
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Scope: A total of 138 courts are participating nationwide.
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Composition: The exercise involves 35 Circuit Courts and 103 District Courts.
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Target: Cases currently "clogging" the system that can be resolved through mutual agreement rather than a judge's verdict.
2. Technology as a Catalyst for Justice
The 2026 theme highlights a "Digital Reset" in how disputes are settled. The Judicial Service is increasingly integrating technology to make justice more accessible to the "underprivileged and vulnerable."
Key Advantages of Court-Connected ADR: | Feature | Benefit to the Citizen | | :--- | :--- | | Cost-Effective | Eliminates long-term legal fees and repeated court appearances. | | Expeditious | Cases can be settled in hours or days rather than years of litigation. | | Non-Adversarial | Focuses on "Win-Win" outcomes, preserving relationships (e.g., in family or land disputes). | | Confidential | Proceedings are private, unlike open-court trials. |
3. Strategic Implementation: The ADR Department
Acting Deputy Director of ADR, Ms. Christiana Puorideme, noted that ADR is now a core pillar of the Judicial Service's adjudication process. The department is encouraging the Bar (lawyers), the media, and the general public to cooperate to ensure the success of this Legal Year Term.
The Judicial Service has released official contact channels for those wishing to move their pending cases to the ADR track:
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Location: ADR Department, Law Court Complex, High Street, Accra.
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Mobile: 0243621987
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Email:
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4. Why Sunyani?
The choice of Sunyani for the national launch is seen as a move to decentralize justice delivery. By launching in the Bono Region, the Chief Justice is signaling that legal innovations are not "Accra-centered" but are designed to reach every corner of the country.
The Bottom Line
ADR Week 2026 is a practical response to the persistent problem of court delays in Ghana. By adopting innovation and technology, the Judicial Service is offering a "Justice Reset" that empowers citizens to solve their own problems with the help of a mediator. For the 138 participating courts, this week represents a chance to clear years of backlog and restore faith in the speed of the Ghanaian legal system.
