Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) has been adopted by the Judicial Service of Ghana as part of its Judicial Reform Programme.Dubbed "Court-Connected ADR", the concept is basically aimed at ensuring that access to justice in Ghana is made easier, cheaper, non adversarial, expeditious and flexible to all, particularly the poor and vulnerable.In line with this, the Hon. Chief Justice in her policy directive on Court Connected ADR, has set aside ADR Week in every Legal Year term, firstly to give parties the opportunity to settle their cases through mediation and secondly to run programmes and activities to create awareness on the availability of ADR as an option to settle cases faster and cheaper in the courts.The Judicial Service of Ghana therefore wishes to inform all stakeholders and the general public that this Legal Year Terms ADR Week celebration is scheduled for the 16th - 20th July, 2012 under the theme: "Court-Connected ADR: The Citizens' participation in the administration of Justice".A press briefing in preparation towards the ADR Week will be held at 28th February Road Courts premises known as Cocoa Affairs Courts on the 16th July, 2012 at 9.00 am.The ADR mechanism will also be used to resolve cases in all the 52 Courts Connected to ADR throughout the week nationwide. Members of the public who have cases pending in the courts are therefore encouraged to contact the Registrars of the courts to request their cases to be referred for mediation.There would also be interviews on Radio and TV Stations throughout the country between 16th - 20th July, 2012 to educate, sensitize and create public awareness on the "Court Connected ADR" Mechanism.The general public is therefore invited to visit the courts, the offices of the Regional ADR Coordinators in the various Regions and the National ADR Directorate within the Supreme Court Building, Accra, to learn more about ADR in the Judicial Service.The public is kindly urged to cooperate with the Judicial Service to make this Legal Year term's ADR week a success.You can contact the ADR Directorate within the Supreme Court Building, High Street, Accra on Tel. 0302666671/0242004573/ 0244683085 for further information.Signed.Alex Nartey (National ADR Coordinator)