The graduates with chiefs and other dignitaries at the ceremony
The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Security and Research Institute in collaboration with professional practitioners of ADR and Global Peace Builders Association, Ghana, has held the Peace Conference Induction and their second Graduation Ceremony with 87 graduands, from cohorts three, four and five.
Held at the GNAT Hall, under theme, “Bridging Divides, Healing the Land; Cultivating Peace and Sustainability for Ghana’s Future,” the ceremony underscored the agency of fostering peace and security through dialogue and mutual understanding.
The president of ADR, Maxwell Acheampong, mentioned that “the institution emphasises understanding functional law and its ethics, equipping our students with essential knowledge for effective mediation and negotiation.”
According to him, their curriculum covers essential topics, including professional ethics, emotional intelligence, and psychology in ADR practices.
Additionally, he said they offer specialised courses in Industrial and Labour Law.
“Our institute offers a comprehensive 16-week training programme in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), covering topics such as communication skills, court-connected ADR, and practical training and also, our programme focuses on hands-on experience, combining theory with real-world application,” he highlighted.
Lastly, he said, “Ghana’s strength lies in our unity amidst diversity, so it is imperative for all stakeholders, political leaders, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, and the media to prioritise peace over partnership.”
The Deputy Director of the National Peace Council (NPC), Alexander Koomson, said the theme “captures the essence of the work we must undertake as individuals, communities, and a nation.”
“Graduates, the training you have received here equips you with the tools to become ambassadors of peace and custodians of sustainability,” he said
“Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and security strategies are not merely academic pursuits, they are lifelines for communities grappling with conflict, inequality, and uncertainty,” he added
The NPC, he said, remains steadfast in its mission to promote peace and harmony across Ghana, yet, this mission cannot be achieved by one institution alone, it requires partnerships.
“As you step into your roles as graduates and new members of this esteemed institute, remember the transformative power of listening, and as you leave here, carry forward the vision of a Ghana where differences are celebrated, resources are wisely managed, and the well-being of future generations is safeguarded,” he urged.
The Personal Assistant to the National Chief Imam, Dr Abubakari Mohammed Marzuq Azindoo, said the National Chief Imam believes that the graduates’ modest achievement would constitute a very strong foundation for further academic progress, personal growth, and professional achievement.
According to him, It is important to understand that peace is important, compulsory and also a collective responsibility for all of us.
“Multi-party democracy simply gives an opportunity to belong to political parties of all tropes and our collective objective is to build the Ghana we need with peace,” he stated.
The Deputy Commissioner, CHRAJ, Mercy Larbi, emphasised that, to champion accountability, reconciliation, and environmental stewardship, we must recognize that peace is not just the absence of conflict, but also the presence of justice, opportunity, and hope.
According to her, peace and human rights are interconnected and the UN Declaration on Human Rights states that respect for human rights is the foundation for a peaceful world, and that peace is necessary to safeguard human rights.
By Janet Odei Amponsah