Dr. Maxwell Acheampong presenting an award to Justice Dennis Dominic Agyei
The Centre for African Studies, University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has organised a seminar for Level 200 students offering courses in Negotiation, Contemporary Issues in Ghanaian Law, and Effective Parenting. The event aimed to engage students in critical discussions around justice, equity, and contemporary legal issues in Ghana.
Hosted by Dr. Maxwell Acheampong, lecturer at UEW, the seminar themed, “Advancing Justice and Equity: Addressing Gender Inequality, Protecting Children’s Rights, and Navigating Contemporary Legal Challenges in Ghana”, underscores a comprehensive approach to promoting fairness and equality in Ghana, focusing on addressing gender inequality, protecting children’s rights and navigating contemporary legal challenges.
Ghana’s Court of Appeal Judge, His Lordship Justice Dennis Dominic Agyei enlightened students on Ghanaian Law, Negotiation, and Parenting.
In his address, Justice Agyei clarified that Ghana has only one Court of Appeal and one High Court, adding that, both operate through various divisions across the country. He further emphasised that the Supreme Court exists as a single unified body without divisions.
Speaking on Contemporary Issues in Ghanaian Law, Justice Agyei explained the legal categorisation of individual, highlighting that under Section 26 of the Criminal Offences Act, children under 12 (doli incapax) cannot be charged with criminal offenses due to a lack of mental capacity. Juveniles (12 to under 18 years), he explained, are not imprisoned but rather detained at correctional centres and adults (21 years and above) in contrast, are subject to imprisonment upon conviction.
On Negotiation, Justice Agyei distinguished between mediators and conciliators, noting that mediators facilitate discussions without imposing decisions, whereas conciliators can make evaluations and propose settlements.
Also, he discussed Court-Connected Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), where courts may direct disputing parties to resolve issues through ADR mechanisms rather than litigation. His explanations were backed by references to the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act, 2010 (Act 798).
Addressing the topic of Effective Parenting, Justice Agyei described parenting as a process aimed at nurturing autonomy and self-confidence in children. He outlined the various forms of parenthood recognised under Ghanaian law, including biological, surrogate, adoptive, foster, and guardianship roles.
For his part, the founder of Alternative Dispute Resolution Security and Research Institute, Dr. Maxwell Acheampong stated that, the theme embodies the institution’s commitment to cultivating a community of socially responsible and empathetic leaders.
“As students who have undergone comprehensive training in Entrepreneurship, Negotiation, Contemporary Issues in Ghanaian Law, and Effective Parenting, you have demonstrated a unique blend of skills, knowledge and passion and are well-equipped to tackle the complex challenges that lie ahead,” he said, appreciating the efforts of the students.
“Your expertise in entrepreneurship has instilled in you a spirit of innovation and creativity, enabling you to develop novel solutions to real-world problems,” he added.
Justice Dennis Dominic Adjei was honoured with the “Pillar of Global Justice Award” for his exemplary service as a judge, upholding fairness, justice, and the rule of law.
Certificates of Appreciation were also given to student-mothers with their kids from the Effective Parenting class, for effectively discharging parenting duties and performing well in academics.
President of ABIMAX Foundation, Mrs. Abigail Agyeiwaa Acheampong, also the wife of Dr. Maxwell Acheampong, presented grants to 11 student entrepreneurs to boost their businesses.
By Janet Odei Amponsah