ADR makes huge progress in justice delivery system

The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) system introduced by the Judicial Service five years ago is making significant contribution to the justice delivery system.

Out of 5,358 cases referred to the ADR system nationwide in 2009, 3,817 were successfully settled and this represented 71 per cent.

Mr Alex Nartey, the National Coordinator of the ADR Secretariat, said on Monday that the settlement rate far outweighed the total performance of the regular courts system.

Speaking at a press briefing on the 2010 ADR week celebration, he said the system, which is operating in all the regional capitals and 45 circuit courts, was assisting to demystify access to justice and thereby promoting good governance.

It is also helping to reduce time and cost of resolving disputes, ensuring efficient and speedy delivery of justice, instilling confidence in the judicial system and reducing backlog of cases in the regular courts.

He said ADR system was gaining roots throughout the world and that by 2013 all courts up to the high court would be connected to it and promoted to the Appeals’ court by 2015.

Mr Nartey said the government’s efforts to attract foreign investors would be greatly enhanced if the ADR system took firmer root in the country.

Source: GNA