Accra, March 28,GNA – Dr Dominic Ayine, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, has emphasised the importance of ensuring justice and efficiency in arbitration proceedings.

Dr Ayine highlighted the need for arbitration to balance efficiency with due process, noting that while efficiency is crucial, it should not come at the expense of justice.

He.was delivering the keynote address at the Second ICC Ghana Arbitration and ADR day in Accra on the theme, “Ensuring Justice and efficiency in Arbitration: The balance between legal representation and Tribunal intervention.

He called for a regime where arbitration would be tailored to meet the unique needs and circumstances of parties, particularly when states are involved.

The Attorney General shared his personal experience as a former Deputy Attorney General, where he witnessed firsthand the challenges of coordinating multiple government agencies to gather evidence for submissions and the bureaucracy that burdens the payment of counsel, tribunal, and expert fees.

Dr Ayine advocated for arbitral rules specifically tailored to accommodate the unique circumstances of state parties, emphasising that efficiency should not be seen as a stand-alone value, but rather combined with adherence to due process.

The event, hosted by the International Chamber of Commerce(ICC) Ghana, brought together local and international experts to discuss the latest developments and best practices in arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

In attendance were notable figures, including the Mrs Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, the Chief Justice, Madam Claudia Salmon, President of the ICC Court of Arbitration, Ag Chairman of ICC Ghana Mr James Anaman, Vice Chair of the Ghana Bar Association, Ms Victoria Barth and Ministers of State.

The second ICC Ghana Arbitration and ADR Day provided a platform for discussions on arbitration, justice, and efficiency, reflecting Ghana’s commitment to promoting international arbitration and ADR as effective means of resolving disputes.

Mr Emmanuel Doni Kwame Secretary General of ICC Ghana, informed the gathering of the passing of Alhaji Asoma Banda, the founding Chairman of ICC Ghana.

“On a sad note, we have witnessed the passing of our founding father on Saturday. He was really keen on being with us today.

“We had in mind a plan to recognise the role of all the past members of our court. We’ve assembled some of the best practitioners around the world who were here for the ICC Advanced Arbitration Academy for Africa training, which ended yesterday.”

Madam Claudia Salmon, President of the International Court of Arbitration, reiterated the ICC Court’s commitment to Africa.

“We are committed to working hand-in-glove with the African business community, the African arbitration community, and the legal community to strengthen the arbitration infrastructure, promote arbitration in Africa, and promote African arbitrators. This commitment to Africa has translated into concrete action, and I will just highlight five.”

First, we have the largest representation of African court members in the history of the court, with more than 30 court members from Africa and two African vice presidents, including two court members from Ghana. Second, as you may know, Diamana Diawara has been the Director for Africa since 2021, and we are expanding her team with the Deputy Director for Africa.

Third, we created a Young Arbitration and ADR Forum Chapter for Africa, with now 15 young African practitioners as YAF representatives, including one from Ghana.

Fourth, the ICC Africa Commission plays an important role in developing the strategy for the development of ICC dispute resolution services in Africa and strengthening the inclusion of African practitioners in ICC arbitration.

Fifth, last year we launched for the first time the Advanced Arbitration Academy for Africa, with the last session taking place in Ghana this week. This marks a crucial step in the ICC Court’s effort over the last three years to effectively contribute to diversity and inclusion in line with our Centenary Declaration.”

She lauded the ICC Ghana for organising the programme, saying, it would undoubtedly shape a whole new generation of highly qualified arbitrators from Africa.”

When the Merchants of Peace established the International Chamber of Commerce in 1919, they had a vision. More than 100 years later, we are still executing this vision. Fostering strong, mutual beneficial ties among nations through trade, industry, and commerce to enhance prosperity and reduce the likelihood of conflict is the clear vision, but the road is a world without conflict is still long’ she recounted.

She said arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR) could be used to resolve disputes as smoothly as possible.

All over the world, arbitration and ADR cases are on the rise. The ICC Court and ICC dispute resolution services are committed to upholding the highest standards of arbitral integrity while enhancing accessibility and efficiency for businesses worldwide.

“We are determined to keep making dispute resolution more efficient and more adaptable to the ever-evolving global market demands around the world, across all of Africa, and most of all, today, here in Ghana.” she said.

Awards were given to all former representatives of Ghana to the ICC International Court of Arbitration notably; Nana Dr S. K. B. Asante, Mr Ace Ankomah, Late Felix Ntrakwah, Justice Nene Amegatcher, Ms Marietta Brew, Kizito Beyuo.

Other distinguished personalities who were also given awards included, President John Dramani Mahama, Madam Sophia Akuffo, Membee of Council State, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, late Alhaji Asoma Banda, Mr James Anaman and Ms Tafadzwa Pasipanodya.

Sponsors of the event were Foley Hoag US, Templars Law, Bentsi-Enchill Letsa & Ankomah, Lithur Brew & Co, Sam Okudzeto & Associates and Adu-Kusi Attorneys
GNA
SOF