Renowned alternative dispute resolution (ADR) expert, Austin Gamey, has emphasised that mediation remains the most civilised and effective method for resolving protracted conflicts like the Bawku crisis—but only if all parties genuinely commit to the process.
Speaking on Joy Prime on Monday, 28th July, Mr Gamey cautioned that mediation can falter if the key stakeholders involved are not fully invested in its success.
“Mediation will normally not fail, and it has never failed before. It is the parties that may not accept to have the matter resolved and would like to go to the next level, if you like, arbitration,” he explained.
Citing the ongoing mediation effort led by the Asantehene, Mr Gamey noted that its outcome hinges on the credibility and goodwill of those participating.
“If it is really true that the parties voluntarily agreed to participate in the mediation process, and the cardinal guide that will trigger the process, and the consent to mediation, has been accepted by the parties, then normally the right people who are to participate in the decision-making process, that is to say, those who represent the owners of the conflict, must be present.
“Because the conflict has owners, and the owners must send their representatives that they have confidence in, such that at the end of the day, when a decision is made, it will be fully accepted,” he said.
Mr Gamey further warned that even with a structured process, outcomes could be compromised if mediators lack the requisite skill, experience, or understanding of the dynamics at play.
“If the mediators involved lack the necessary skill and understanding of the conflict, their efforts may fail to produce any meaningful outcome,” he cautioned.
His remarks follow a recent resurgence of violence in Bawku, which has led to the tragic death of two students and reignited long-standing tensions in the area.
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