Alternative Dispute Resolution - Foundation Office Ghana
Workshop
Details
On the 29th until 31st of October the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung organised a workshop on the topic ‚Alternative Dispute Resolutions‘. The workshop was conducted in collaboration with the Regional House of Chiefs of the Brong-Ahafo Region and took place in Sunyani. The aim was to empower the Chiefs to engage in peaceful dispute resolution and to train them in mediation strategies.
Like many developing countries, Ghana is exposed to rapid social change. Although traditional values and institutions are still of high relevance in Ghanaian life, they permanently have to assert in an increasingly modernised and globalised society. This cleavage between traditional and “modern” values and institutions oftentimes leads to tensions. Therefore it is very important to handle these tensions in a proactive manner to prevent an escalation into violent conflicts. Traditional Authorities (TAs) are the major representatives of the traditional lifestyle in Ghana. They are highly respected among the population and have a strong influence on social and political issues. Thus TAs are key actors in mediating these tensions which mostly cover disputes about land rights and family issues.