Traditional dispute resolution mechanisms have played a significant role in resolving conflicts within communities in Ghana for centuries. Qualitative research methods were employed, including semi-structured interviews with community leaders, legal practitioners, and litigants to gather insights on traditional dispute resolution practices. Interviews revealed that while traditional mechanisms are deeply embedded in local culture and provide swift resolutions, they often face challenges such as low literacy rates among participants and limited awareness of their rights under formal law systems. The study concludes that integrating traditional dispute resolution into existing legal frameworks could enhance access to justice for marginalized communities in Ghana. Policy recommendations include promoting community education on both traditional and formal legal mechanisms, as well as fostering collaboration between traditional leaders and modern legal professionals.
Amos Attah (Wed,) studied this question.