The Steering Committee of Disputes Convocation, made up of young professional arbitrators in Ghana, has honoured Nana Dr S.K.B. Asante, an eminent international arbitrator, with the recognition as the “Father of Modern Arbitration” in modern Ghana.
The honour was conferred on the traditional ruler for consistently championing and shaping the arbitration landscape in Ghana over the years.
It was given to Nana Dr Asante, who is the Paramount Chief of Asokore Asante in the Ashanti Region, at the maiden Young Professionals Edition of the Disputes Convocation in Accra.
The honoree served on the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce, International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes.
Reading a citation in his honour at the convocation, a former Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Nene Amegatcher, said Nana Dr Asante had remained a towering figure whose life’s work has indelibly shaped the landscape of arbitration in Ghana and across the world.
“Your distinguished career stands as a model of excellence, depth and unwavering commitment to the development of effective dispute resolution systems.
“Through your service at the highest levels of international arbitration, you have carried the flag of Ghana onto the global stage, earning admiration for the depth of scholarship, the clarity of reasoning and the integrity of your awards,” he said.
In Ghana, Justice Amegatcher said Nana Dr Asante had championed the growth of arbitration, a contribution which was made manifest in his role as co-founder of the Ghana Arbitration Centre.
That institution, he said, had since become a vital pillar of the nation’s dispute resolution architecture.
“Your expert knowledge and understanding of multinational commercial and investment transactions have contributed significantly to the development of transnational law, shaping the modern contours of commercial and investment arbitration,” he said.
Landmark achievements
Justice Amegatcher said Dr Nana Asante had committed himself to charting an extraordinary path in arbitration, setting high standards and inspiring both young and seasoned arbitrators.
He noted that Nana Dr Asante’s career had been remarkable, having served on numerous international arbitration institutions, including the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce, the London Court of International Arbitration, and the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
“Nana was instrumental to the establishment of the Ghana Arbitration Centre, the pioneer and arguably the leading arbitration institution in Ghana,” he said.
Justice Amegatcher cited some of Nana Dr Asante’s work in landmark cases as Agricultural Products Ltd vrs Sri Lanka, saying they demonstrated the intellectual contributions that had shaped international investment law.
“And it is through the efforts of leaders like Nana Dr S.K.B. Asante that arbitration in Ghana has gained the credibility, sophistication and global recognition that we witness today,” he said.
Master arbitration rules
A professor of law at the Osgoode Hall Law School in York University, Toronto, Canada, Professor Richard Frimpong Oppong, described Nana Dr Asante as a pioneer of arbitration practice, scholarship and institution building in Ghana, and credited him for giving “me my first domestic arbitration work in Ghana, chairing a tribunal”.
He advised young arbitration professionals to pursue certifications in arbitration from leading institutions in Ghana and abroad.
The Convener of the Disputes Convocation, Lauraine Darkwah, said the programme was designed to create a learning and networking platform for young arbitration practitioners.
She expressed confidence that the initiative would endure and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Ghana’s arbitration community.
The maiden event, which was held on the theme: “Arbitration as a launch pad: Equipping young professionals for the future or dispute resolution”, brought together renowned arbitrators, arbitration practitioners, academics and professionals to discuss the growing role of arbitration and alternative dispute resolution in Ghana.
It was organised by The Arbitration Pitch, in partnership with the Qarah Institute, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Ghana Chapter, Association of Young Arbitrators and African Arbitration Association.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh