Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has designated July 15 to 19, 2024, as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Week nationwide.

This will be the second of three ADR observances held annually, with the others occurring in March and November.

A press release signed by Alex Nartey, National Coordinator of ADR, announced, "The rationale for the ADR week is to afford the ADR Directorate of the Judicial Service the opportunity to inform the citizenry of the presence of ADR within the court system, its importance in seeking justice, and how to take advantage of such an important process for meaningful access to justice, especially for the poor and the vulnerable," it added.

The release explained, "It is also to afford court users whose cases are pending before the courts the benefit of using ADR during the week under the 'Mass Mediation Exercise.'"

The theme for the week is "Building the Pillars of Justice through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)."

It also stated, "The week will allow court users with pending cases to benefit from ADR through the 'Mass Mediation Exercise.'"

A total of 138 courts, including 35 Circuit Courts and 103 District Courts, will participate by dedicating the entire week to resolving court cases via ADR across the country.

Throughout the week, judges, magistrates, and ADR officials will conduct courtroom education sessions to enhance public understanding of ADR.

The Bar (lawyers), disputants, media, and the general public are encouraged to participate fully and cooperate with the Judicial Service to ensure the success of this Legal Year Term's ADR Week.

The release concluded by noting that ADR has been integrated into the adjudication process of the Judicial Service of Ghana as "Court-Connected ADR."