Ghana Federation of Labour calls for ADR instead of prolonged litigation in Wesley Girls case

The Ghana Federation of Labour has called for the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms in the ongoing Supreme Court case involving a high-profile dispute concerning Wesley Girls’ School. In a formal statement the federation argued that ADR could help resolve the matter faster and avoid legal delays that often burden public institutions and the justice system.

According to the federation, prolonged litigation tends to consume public resources, destabilise institutional operations, and increase uncertainties for stakeholders. They suggested mediation, negotiation, or arbitration as more efficient and less adversarial paths to resolution. They stressed that ADR preserves confidentiality, reduces cost, and can protect the reputations of all parties involved.

The call for mediation is also informed by concerns over the impact of court delays on students, faculty, and the broader educational community associated with the school. The federation argued that a swift resolution through ADR would restore normalcy and minimise disruption to academic activities and institutional management.

Legal and labour experts have backed the proposal. Some highlighted that when complex disputes involve sensitive institutions such as schools, ADR offers a more flexible and context-sensitive approach that can consider the interests of all parties more fairly. They also noted that ADR can help foster consensus and long-term institutional harmony, whereas protracted court battles often result in polarized outcomes.

Despite calls for mediation the federation emphasised that ADR should not compromise justice or accountability. They encouraged that any agreement reached be transparent and legally binding to protect rights and prevent future conflicts. They also asked that all stakeholders including parents, school administrators, alumni and civil society, be involved in the mediation process to ensure broad acceptance of outcomes.

As public interest in the case remains high, the plea from the Ghana Federation of Labour adds pressure for a resolution that safeguards institutional integrity, respects legal rights, and promotes equilibrium within the educational sector. The coming days may prove decisive in determining whether ADR becomes the preferred pathway for resolving high-stakes institutional disputes in Ghana.