Some of the volunteers with their certificates at the end of the programme
In a bid to increase the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the Volta Region, Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF), a non-governmental organisation, has trained 20 legal literacy volunteers (LLVs) from 10 selected communities in the South Dayi District.
The training, which lasted for a week gave the volunteers knowledge in family laws such as marriage, inheritance, children acts and domestic violence.
The training which was part of a programme to empower local leaders to provide alternative dispute resolution in their respective communities was supported by STAR Ghana and its partners.
Patricia Isabella Essel, Programmes Manager of WiLDAF Ghana in charge of Communication and Advocacy, explained that the rationale behind the initiative was to improve access to justice using the ADR mechanisms by engaging the community members including persons with disability and the youth.
Madam Essel added that another phase of the programme was that ‘the LLVs (Volunteers) will be holding series of community and radio programmes to sensitize community members on the various family laws.’
Stay Within Mandate
Madam Essel, however, cautioned the volunteers not to adjudicate criminal offences such as rape, defilement, illicit drug use and robbery among others, but rather refer such cases to the law court.
The South Dayi District Chief Executive, Kafui Semenu Bekui in a message delivered on his behalf entreated the volunteers to play their preventive roles more than their reactive roles.
He urged them to live exemplary lives in their communities in order to serve as role models to the people.
Mr Bekui also expressed appreciation to WiLDAF and its partners for the project and pledged the district’s support towards ensuring its success.
In a related development, WiLDAF Ghana had presented desktop computer accessories to the South Dayi District court at Peki. The donation was part of an initiative to enhance access to justice to the poor and vulnerable in society and to help the court keep records of cases, proceedings and other information.
From Fred Duodu, Dzemeni ( [email protected] mailto:[email protected] )
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