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Make Ghana ADR hub in West Africa, Africa – Pres Akufo-Addo

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The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) practitioners in Ghana to strive towards ensuring that Ghana, as has been achieved in other areas, becomes the regional hub of settling disputes via ADR.

President Akufo-Addo is confident that, the establishment of an ADR centre, 14 years after the promulgation of the ADR act 798, will further provide a viable opportunity for multi million dollar commercial disputes and cases involving the use of the state’s valuable natural resources to be resolved in Ghana in a very wholesome environment, and will also enable ADR practitioners, particularly members of the Ghana Bar Association to sharpen their skills in the resolution of such disputes.

Accordingly, the nation’s strong democratic credentials, a liberal and open economy, and an environment conducive to business in general, coupled with the nation’s strong judicial system and pro-arbitration courts, give it a big advantage in the race to be the arbitration nerve centre in the whole of Africa and in West Africa, in particular. Our neighbouring countries should find Ghana, a safe haven for the resolution of disputes, just as they do for investment.

This, he added, “shall propel Ghana to be an arbitration hub in Africa, particularly in West Africa.”

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President Akufo-Addo said this when he, pursuant to section 1181 of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act 2010, (Act 789), inaugurated the Governing Board of the Alternative Resolution Centre into office at the Jubilee House in Accra.

Chaired by the respected retired Supreme Court Judge, Justice Victor Jones Mawulom Dotse, who was nominated by the President alongside Mrs Efua Ghartey, the membership also includes Francis Kofi Korankye-Sakyi, from the Ghana Chamber of Commerce, Michael Gyang Owusu, from the Ghana Bar Association, Surv. Jose Nicco-Annan, from the Ghana Institute of Surveyors, Her Ladyship Angelina Mensah-Homiah, from the Judiciary, Ms Joyce Adu, of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and Mrs Philomena Aba Sampson, a representative from Organised labour.

President Akufo-Addo, noted that ADR mechanisms such as mediation, arbitration and negotiation provide parties with the opportunity to resolve their disputes, amicably preserving relationships and fostering a culture of dialogue and understanding.

These methods have proven to be effective in several jurisdictions around the world, and he was confident it would yield similar benefits here in Ghana.

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Describing it as a new chapter in civil litigation in Ghana, the President alluded to the several times and occasions when and where, the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and the Private Enterprise Federation (PEF) have all called for the introduction of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms, particularly arbitration to alleviate the congestion in the courts and to enhance expertise and specialisation in certain areas of the law especially commercial law, investment law, energy law and natural resources law.

He commended the current Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkornoo, and the Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, for their diligence in bringing the centre into being, and again commended the office of the Attorney General for effectively advocating Ghana’s interests on the international stage and achieving favourable outcomes to various arbitration proceedings, resulting in little or no cost to the nation.

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UGMC disputes Michael Blackson’s claims over late mother’s treatment

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The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has disputed claims made on social media by comedian Michael Blackson concerning the treatment given to his late mother, saying a review found that the allegations did not accurately reflect what happened during her stay at the hospital.

In a statement issued in Accra on August 5, 2026, the management of UGMC expressed condolences to Mr. Blackson and his family over the death of his 83-year-old mother, who died at the facility on July 16, 2026.

The hospital said it had taken the concerns raised by Mr. Blackson seriously and conducted a thorough review in line with its clinical and administrative procedures.

According to the statement, the facts presented by Mr. Blackson on social media contained “numerous inaccuracies” and did not accurately reflect the medical care provided to his mother.

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UGMC explained that she was referred to the facility from another hospital and received treatment there from May 27 to July 16, 2026, a period of about eight weeks.

The hospital stated that it would not release details of her diagnosis, treatment, medical records or other aspects of her care because it had a duty to protect patient confidentiality, even after death.

It said the decision was intended to respect the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of her family.

UGMC further stated that all clinical decisions at the facility are made by qualified healthcare professionals based on medical judgment, established standards of care and the best interests of the patient.

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The statement added that such decisions are made in consultation with authorised family representatives where necessary and that billing and financial procedures are governed by institutional policies and are separate from clinical decision-making.

The hospital noted that it values feedback from patients and their families and considers both positive and negative comments important for improving the quality of care.

Mr. Blackson had earlier used social media to criticise the care his mother received at UGMC, prompting the hospital’s response.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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NPP suspends Greater Accra campaigns ahead of “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration

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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has directed all aspirants campaigning in the Greater Accra Region to suspend their campaign activities on August 5 and 6 and instead mobilise supporters for the party’s planned “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration.

The directive was issued by the party’s National Steering Committee in a statement signed by the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the decision forms part of efforts to ensure a strong turnout for the demonstration, which is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2026.

The party said the protest would begin at 5:00 a.m., with participants expected to gather at the Supreme Court in Accra.

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It further directed Regional, Constituency and Polling Station Executives in Greater Accra to work closely to mobilise members and supporters for the event.

“The National Steering Committee is calling on all aspirants currently campaigning across the Greater Accra Region to temporarily suspend their campaign activities on the 5th and 6th of August and join in mobilising support for the upcoming demonstration,” the statement noted.

The NPP appealed to party members and supporters to remain peaceful, disciplined and orderly throughout the protest.

The demonstration forms part of the party’s response to concerns it has raised over issues relating to Ghana’s democratic governance and the justice system.

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The NPP leadership expressed confidence that party members would cooperate fully to ensure a successful and peaceful event.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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