Delivering his address on the theme “Building the Pillars of Justice Delivery through CCADR”, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie spotlighted the benefits of CCADR to underscore the commitment of the Judicial Service in providing accessible justice to all citizens nationwide.
His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie delivering his address
“One of CCADR’s greatest strength is efficiency. It allows quicker resolution of disputes, avoiding delays and reducing costs associated with formal litigation. This ensures justice is not only done but done swiftly. The process also promotes fairness, providing a level playing field especially for those without legal representation or deep financial resources. Conducted informally, it makes justice more inclusive and accessible. This year’s theme reflects our continued commitment to accessible, fair and efficient justice. To the public, if a Judge recommends CCADR, know that your case is being taken seriously. CCADR is an opportunity, not a downgrade”, he said.
Cross section of participants
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie therefore called on all stakeholders to “support and help expand CCAADR services nationwide” as well as “commit to a justice system where fairness, dialogue and resolution triumphs”.
Justice Angelina Mensah-Homiah making her remarks
Her Ladyship Justice Angelina Mensah-Homiah, a Justice of the Court of Appeal with oversight responsibility for CCADR nationwide, used the occasion to once again validate CCADR as “the way to go”, emphasizing the acceptance and user rates in other jurisdictions in Africa and beyond.
For her part, the Chief State Attorney in the Eastern Region, Mrs. Emily Addo-Okyireh added her voice to calls on leveraging CCADR to expand access to justice for all citizens, with the President of the Eastern Regional Bar, Mr. Francis Polley, pledging the support of the Bar to the success of CCADR.
The Director of the Legal Aid Commission in the Eastern Region, Mr. Phidelis Osei-Duah, in his brief remarks focused attention on the Commission’s success story of resolving 1613 cases out of 1706 cases received for the year 2024, to emphasize “the power of dialogue and compromise” in the justice delivery system.
“ADR is no longer a secondary option, it is a key pillar in building an inclusive, efficient and restorative justice system”, he said.
Mr. Phidelis Osei-Duah, Director, Legal Aid Commission, Eastern Region
The Launch of the Third Term CCADR Week was witnessed by some Justices of the Supreme Court as well as Justices of the Superior Courts in the Eastern Region, Members of the Eastern Regional Bar, State Attorneys, traditional authority, the clergy, mediators, students and teachers of some selected Senior High Schools and Staff of the Judicial Service in Koforidua.
His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie in a group photograph with Judges and other dignitaries