Story by: Dennis Ato Keelson | Africa Live News
The President of the Ghana National Association of ADR Practitioners (GNAAP), Daniel Owusu-Koranteng, has issued a stirring call to action to the newly inaugurated Board of Directors, urging them to rekindle the passion and drive that has made the association a leading light in Ghana’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) landscape.
Speaking at the official swearing-in ceremony of the new board in Accra, Mr. Owusu-Koranteng challenged the directors to unleash the association’s full potential and avoid any decline in momentum, cautioning against allowing the once-vibrant organization to regress “from an eagle to a snail.”
He emphasized that ADR plays an indispensable role in Ghana’s justice delivery system, providing a more peaceful, accessible, and cost-effective path to resolving conflicts. The GNAAP President underscored that traditional mechanisms of peacebuilding and mediation, which have long been embedded in Ghanaian culture, have historically nurtured a more cohesive and supportive society than the often confrontational and expensive adversarial court processes.
“GNAAP, as the torchbearer of ADR in Ghana, carries a sacred responsibility to continue providing outstanding leadership,” he said. “Our mission is to maintain the association’s trail-blazing golden status on the global stage.”
Mr. Owusu-Koranteng’s remarks resonated deeply with practitioners and stakeholders present, combining both a professional challenge and a personal reflection on his own experience in ADR. He shared that his dream of establishing a private ADR practice remains unfulfilled—a vision he described as being in a “comatose condition,” with its registration documents “sleeping peacefully” in his archives.
He humorously but pointedly tasked the new board to “resurrect” that dream—alongside similar ambitions held by many members across the country. “I want to be among the first to benefit when this revival begins,” he declared, drawing laughter and applause from the audience.
The GNAAP President expressed strong confidence in the capabilities of the new directors, highlighting his long acquaintance with many of them and their shared passion for the advancement of ADR. He urged them not only to meet the expectations of members but to surpass them, building on the legacy of their predecessors while infusing fresh energy, innovation, and collaboration into the association’s future.
Honouring the Founding Vision
In a moving moment, Mr. Owusu-Koranteng paid special tribute to Mr. Alex Nartey, whom he described as “the God-used foundation-setter” of GNAAP. He credited Mr. Nartey for laying the solid groundwork on which the association continues to thrive and shared a personal testimony of how their meeting transformed his own family’s engagement with ADR.
He recalled how his initial encounter with Mr. Nartey opened his eyes to the immense potential of ADR not just as a profession but as a calling rooted in restoring peace and harmony in society. According to him, GNAAP’s growth over the years has been a direct result of such visionary leadership and dedication from its early pioneers.
“Alex Nartey’s contribution is beyond measure,” he said. “He has played an instrumental role in transforming ADR practice in Ghana and in mentoring many of us who are now leading the charge for reform and expansion.”
A Renewed Commitment to Peacebuilding
Mr. Owusu-Koranteng’s address also served as a rallying call for renewed commitment to peacebuilding, national cohesion, and social justice through the use of ADR mechanisms. He reminded members that ADR is not merely an alternative to the courts but a complementary system that reinforces justice delivery and promotes lasting reconciliation.
He explained that with rising caseloads in the courts and the growing demand for accessible justice, ADR stands as a credible solution for ordinary citizens seeking fairness without the delays, costs, and hostilities often associated with litigation.
“ADR is not only about resolving disputes—it is about restoring relationships and preserving community harmony,” he noted. “That is why GNAAP must lead the revolution to make ADR a household name in Ghana.”
The President further called on the government to actively invest in promoting ADR across the country, emphasizing that its integration into governance and development policies can yield tremendous dividends in peacebuilding and national development.
He appealed for stronger institutional partnerships between GNAAP, the Ministry of Justice, the Judicial Service, and traditional authorities to strengthen the ADR ecosystem and ensure its sustainability.
Empowering Practitioners for Greater Impact
Turning his attention to the professional welfare of ADR practitioners, Mr. Owusu-Koranteng highlighted the need for continuous training, mentorship, and support systems to help mediators, arbitrators, and negotiators excel in their roles.
He reiterated that the association must empower its members to establish viable private practices, build reputable centres, and engage in community-level peace initiatives. This, he said, would not only enhance the visibility of ADR in Ghana but also create employment opportunities for practitioners while expanding access to justice for citizens in both urban and rural areas.
“Our members must see themselves as peace ambassadors,” he declared. “Each case they resolve peacefully contributes to national stability. Each life they touch through reconciliation strengthens the moral fabric of our nation.”
Mr. Owusu-Koranteng’s vision for GNAAP’s future is anchored on the belief that ADR can become a cornerstone of Ghana’s justice system—one that bridges the gap between tradition and modernity, between conflict and cooperation, and between the courts and the communities they serve.
Charting a New Path Forward
As the new Board of Directors begins its tenure, expectations are high within the ADR community for decisive leadership, innovation, and greater advocacy for policy support. The President’s call has effectively set the tone for a new era—one that prioritizes professional excellence, public awareness, and national collaboration in promoting peace and justice.
By challenging the new board to “ignite an ADR revolution,” Mr. Owusu-Koranteng has positioned GNAAP at the centre of Ghana’s peace architecture, reminding practitioners that their work goes beyond mediation rooms to touch the very soul of the nation.
In the words of the President, “Let us not allow GNAAP’s light to dim. Let us soar higher than before, not as snails in retreat, but as eagles in full flight—carrying the banner of peace, justice, and progress for Ghana and the world.”
