Sixty-four traditional leaders and key stakeholders from all 16 regions of Ghana have completed a five-day Certificate Programme in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
The maiden programme, held from 24 to 28 August 2026, was organised jointly by UPSA, the Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands (OASL), and Awoonor Law Consultancy.
Participants included Paramount and Divisional Chiefs, Queen Mothers, Heads of Families, Traditional Council Officers, representatives of the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs, and other stakeholders in Ghana’s traditional and justice systems.
The training focused on negotiation, mediation and customary arbitration, combining indigenous dispute-resolution practices with contemporary ADR principles to strengthen the capacity of traditional leaders to manage conflicts and promote peace, reconciliation and social cohesion.
Speaking during the programme, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, Prof. Emmanuel S. Asamoah, urged the traditional leaders to make ADR an integral part of their responsibilities.
He encouraged them to prioritise dialogue, negotiation and mediation in resolving disputes before they escalate to formal litigation, while strengthening traditional institutions with relevant contemporary skills.
At the closing ceremony, Dr. Gerald Nyanyofio urged the pioneer graduates to return to their communities as ambassadors of peace, dialogue and reconciliation.
He said the success of the programme would ultimately be measured by how effectively the graduates apply their knowledge to prevent conflicts, resolve disputes and restore relationships within their communities.
The completion of the programme marks a significant step towards strengthening the role of traditional institutions in Ghana’s peace and justice architecture, while reinforcing UPSA’s commitment to professional education that responds to national development needs.
