News
Public urged to opt for ADR
A Justice of the Court of Appeal with oversight responsibility for ADR, Mrs Angelina Mensah-Homiah, has urged members of the public to opt for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for the many benefits that comes with it.
In a media engagement in the Ashanti region, she emphasised that resolving cases through ADR either than litigation “brings finality to such cases faster than going through the traditional processes in courts which are burdened with so many cases.”
According to her, about 38,447 out of 88,451cases, representing 43 per cent have successfully been resolved through the ADR initiative since its introduction into the justice delivery system in 2005.
The media brief formed part of pre-activities ahead of the ADR Week scheduled for March 17-21.
It allowed the team of officials from the ADR unit of the Judicial Service to visit the markets to sensitise the women on ADR as an option for court users.
She said that even cases already before the court could be withdrawn for settlement trough ADR.
At the Kumasi Race Course, the traders applauded the introduction of the ADR mechanism into Ghana’s justice delivery system, but wanted more public education on the initiative.
They stated that ADR presented a unique opportunity for court users to amicably resolve disputes devoid of litigation, but many of their people were not aware of the system.
Some of the traders who spoke to the media after an engagement with various queen mothers expressed their desire to take advantage of the mechanism in seeking redress.
Madam Beatrice Mpianin, the Deputy Queen mother at the Race Course Market, said it was refreshing to know that there was other means of settling cases without litigation and thanked the team for the education.
She, therefore, recommended ADR to her fellow women to save them legal fees and precious time that could be invested in their businesses.
She entreated the Judicial Service to extend the education on ADR to other markets in the metropolis for others to benefit from such important message.
Justice Mrs Dorinda Smith Arthur, a High Court Judge, who was part of the team, said ADR ensured dialogue between the two parties with the mediator only serving as a referee, hence the outcomes were mostly mutual.
She reminded them that since the outcomes of ADR were voluntary, no party could appeal after the consent judgment had been endorsed by the judge.
Justice Hannah Taylor, Supervising High Court Judge for Ashanti Region, said considering the tall list of cases before the courts, opting for ADR was the way to go in order to ease the pressure on Presiding Judges.
From Kingsley Hope E. Hope, Kumasi
![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth-400x240.jpg)
![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth-80x80.jpg)
![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Accra Technical University (ATU) on Tuesday officially launched its Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 in Accra, aimed at driving innovation and strengthening institutional capacity across key operational areas.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Humphrey Awuletey Williams, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oswal Investments Limited, explained that the strategic plan seeks to respond to emerging challenges while positioning the institution as a forward-thinking leader in development.
He urged the university’s leadership to leverage their expertise to train students to be innovative and produce competitive products for both African and international markets.
According to him, employers increasingly demand competence-based human capital beyond academic certificates to drive development.
Mr Williams commended the Governing Council, Academic Board, Management, and other stakeholders for developing what he described as a ‘formative tool,’ and encouraged them to ensure its full implementation.
The Vice Chancellor of ATU, Mr Amevi Acapkvovi, emphasised that the strategic plan focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening stakeholder engagement.
“The strategic plan is not just a document, but a commitment to excellence, accountability and progress,” he said, adding that inclusivity is also central to the institution’s operations.
He outlined seven key focus areas of the plan: industry-based education; digital transformation and modernised infrastructure; quality assurance and institutional excellence; industry-driven research, innovation and entrepreneurship; staff development, motivation and welfare; strategic partnerships and increased visibility; and sustainable and green technologies.
Prof. Ernest Abotsi, stressed that the plan must not ‘gather dust’ but should be actively implemented to achieve success.
“Currently, ATU is adopting measures to assess the cost of running the institution, and this plan will serve as a guide to promote the university at every level,” he said.
Stakeholders present lauded the initiative, noting that its clear framework and measurable targets would help track progress and ensure transparency in the institution’s operations.
The university expressed confidence that, with support from partners and staff, the plan would significantly contribute to national development and set a benchmark for excellence in the sector.
The ceremony brought together stakeholders from government, traditional leadership, academia, industry, and civil society.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
It was an exciting moment as hundreds of revellers from various parts of Accra trooped to the Independence Square beach in Osu to celebrate Easter.
Dressed in all kinds of beach costumes, parents were seen with their children having fun and enjoying the moment.
Others made the best of their outing by engaging in other fun activities.
The revellers engaged in games such as football, ampe, athletics while others just sat, relaxed to release stress amidst music provided by some revellers.
By Lizzy Okai
