The government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Justice, has expressed its ongoing commitment to ensuring access to justice for all citizens as a fundamental right of every individual, rather than a privilege for a select few. 

Speaking on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town during the validation exercise of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Act of 2024, Minister of Justice/Attorney General Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh stressed the critical role access to justice plays in nurturing social cohesion and fostering sustainable development.

According to Minister Tweh, one of the pillars of the ARREST Development Agenda reinforces the rule of law, ensuring that every individual, particularly the most vulnerable members of society, can gain access to the justice system without barriers.
“This is echoed by the African Union (AU) Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 16, which unifies us in purpose and action,” Cllr. Tweh stated. 

He considers the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) a beacon for a controlled justice system, disclosing that by formalizing and institutionalizing it, ADR provides a legal framework that offers an accessible and responsible mechanism for resolving disputes while respecting the needs and context of the citizens.

The Attorney General expressed hope that with collective efforts and renewed determination, Liberia can become a nation where justice prevails for all and disputes are resolved not only through litigation but also through various means of traditional and formal justice systems, where citizens feel heard, valued, and empowered.

Cllr. Tweh lauded local and international development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other Civil Society Organizations, for their immense support of the ADR program in Liberia.

During the validation exercise, UNDP Interim Head of Governance proxy for UNDP Resident Representative Anthony Ohemeng Boamah who expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Justice and the Government of Liberia for their unwavering dedication to improving access to justice for all Liberians.

“Your leadership in this Alternative Dispute Resolution initiative demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to addressing the challenges within the justice system,” he noted. He commended the Government of Liberia's commitment to reducing pretrial detention and improving access to justice, especially for indigent individuals.

Mr. Ohemeng Boamah recounted UNDP’s longstanding partnership with the Ministry of Justice, stating that they have collaborated to support various initiatives, including policy reforms and capacity building, which have laid a strong foundation for the ADR validation exercise.

He highlighted the importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as a significant step forward in the justice system, mentioning that many countries in the West African region, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone, have successfully incorporated ADR into their formal legal systems. 

In conclusion, the UNDP Resident Representative cited that in 2003, Ghana held its first mediation week, mediating about 3,000 cases with a 90% success rate, noting that similar initiatives could be implemented in Liberia.

Organizations that graced the occasion and offered impactful remarks included Iris Aid, the ADR Inter-Agencies Technical Working Group, the Liberian National Bar Association (LIBA), the Law Reform Commission, the Louise Arthur Grimes School of Law, the National Council of Chiefs and Elders, the Liberia Land Authority (LLA), the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia, the Ministries of Finance and Development Planning and Internal Affairs, the Liberia National Police, the National Human Rights Taskforce, the Governance Commission, the Independent National Commission on Human Rights, Prison Fellowship-Liberia, YMCA, Action Aid, Talking Drum Studio, among others.