The Role of Psychology and Innovation in Alternative Dispute Resolution in Ghana

The purpose of the study was to examine the role of psychology and innovation in alternative Dispute Resolution in Ghana. The study employed the qualitative approach and the phenomenology design. The purposive sampling technique was used to select 16 participants from the Ghana National Association of ADR Practitioners (GNAAP), the Ghana Association of Certified Mediators and Arbitrators (GHACMA) and the ADR Directorate of the Judicial Service. The study used semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis to gather and analyse the data, respectively. The results affirm that the psychological principles of empathy, emotional understanding, and recognizing biases, and other practices such as active listening, clear communication, and cultural sensitivity are the driving forces behind the ADR practices in Ghana. These psychological skills help ADR practitioners to obtain trust, regulate emotions, and provide lasting solutions to disputes. In addition, the Ghanaian ADR process is gradually integrating innovations as the mediators digitize their communication, record-keeping, and even outreach, as well as develop their skills online. Thus, the role of innovation in the ADR process can be described as gradual but steady. The gradual integration of innovation is indicative that the ADR process is becoming less cumbersome, more transparent, and quicker.