A two-day training exercise to help participants learn new techniques in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) has opened in Monrovia under the auspices of the Ministry of Justice.
The exercise, which runs through Thursday and Friday, has brought together several stakeholders from the Ministry of justice, independent legal associations, commercial and financial institutions, judges and representative of commercial court, with Kennedy Law Center, an international legal institution, serving as facilitator.
At the opening ceremony held at the Temple of Justice on Thursday, October 23, 2025, Chief Justice Yarmie Quiqui Gbeisay describe the initiative as a step forward in enhancing the nation’s judicial system.
The Chief Justice said Alternative Dispute Resolution ADR is the best framework for resolving conflict considering the nation’s limited resources for the establishment of court in all provinces of the country.
Justice Gbeisay also underscored that ADR will enhance access to justice system in the country where the court system is unacceptable by the tradition of the people.
The Chief Justice lauded the Ministry of Justice for the initiative, which he said will positively impact the justice system.
Also speaking, Justice Minister, Oswald Tweh, emphasized that the ADR initiative is a step toward a robust justice system that delivers justice with speed and integrity, and reduced court docket.
The Attorney General maintained that by settling commercial dispute through arbitration Liberia is positioning itself as a trusted destination for investment.
On behalf of the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), President Bornor Varmah commended the Ministry of Justice for organizing the important training workshop on arbitration, and described the effort as a timely and relevant engagement for the justice sector.
“Today’s conversation on the need for a holistic arbitration process in Liberia is not merely an academic exercise; it is a call to reimagine how justice can be delivered in ways that are efficient, affordable, and accessible to all Liberians.
“In our justice architecture, the courts have long been the first and most visible avenue for dispute resolution. Public defense and legal aid initiatives have strengthened a second layer of access to justice for the vulnerable and indigent. But today, we must boldly affirm that Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and particularly arbitration, constitutes the third layer of access to justice in Liberia,” LNBA President Varmah observed.
According to him, A holistic arbitration framework—one that integrates domestic and international best practices, ensures impartiality, and is supported by an enabling legal and institutional environment—will not only ease the burden on the courts but also enhance investor confidence and promote social harmony.
For his part, Internal Affairs Minister, Francis Nyumalin, said through his proxy and Assistant Minister for Legal Affairs, Cllr. Lusene Bility, that the government and the Justice Ministry in particular has shown commitment in the delivery of justice at the local level.
The assistant minister disclosed that the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) training has come at a crucial time for the strengthening of local government and decentralization under President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s administration.
He pointed out that the Ministry of Internal Affairs recognized the positive role ADR initiative plays in settling dispute among traditional people.
Among lessons taught in day one is the use and advantage of ADR system in jurisdiction: covering the foundational bases for arbitration; and navigating arbitrary procedures: the key phases of procedure and best practice.
