Accra: Justice Eric Kyei-Baffour, a respected Justice of the Court of Appeal, has called upon newly certified Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) professionals to embrace their roles with humility and a strong sense of purpose, distancing themselves from pride or hesitation.
According to Ghana News Agency, Justice Kyei-Baffour emphasized that in a society often focused on self-promotion, humility is frequently misconstrued as a weakness. However, he affirmed that it remains a crucial virtue for those dedicated to serving justice and humanity. He clarified that humility does not equate to a lack of confidence but involves making objective contributions and ensuring one’s voice is heard when necessary, particularly when facing adversity.
Justice Kyei-Baffour delivered this counsel in a keynote address during the graduation ceremony of the 2025 Cohort of International Arbitration and Mediation Professionals at the Centre for International Mediators and Arbitrators (CIMA) in Accra. He urged the graduates to follow the servant-leadership example set by Jesus Christ, who came not to be served but to serve.
He encouraged the graduates to achieve excellence through specialization, highlighting that success demands resilience, consistent effort, and a mindset that challenges personal boundaries. Justice Kyei-Baffour advised them not to compete with others but to strive for mastery and dominance in their field by exploring additional courses and opportunities.
Furthermore, he underscored the increasing need for ethically sound, culturally aware, and professionally mature ADR experts in a globalized world where cross-border disputes are becoming more complex. He commended CIMA for enhancing African representation in international arbitration, noting its role in creating its own platforms rather than seeking inclusion elsewhere.
Mr. Francesco Campagna, President of CIMA and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Mediators and Arbitrators (FCIMArb), lauded the efforts of the graduates and faculty during his welcome address. He urged the cohort to remain engaged and bridge cultural divides through peaceful dispute resolution, emphasizing that every peacefully resolved dispute is a societal gift.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Ambassador Abdul-Salam Yussif II, ACIMArb, described their achievement as a calling rather than just a certification. He expressed gratitude to CIMA’s leadership, sponsors, and global faculty for their support and inspiration, urging his fellow graduates to use their expertise to make a positive impact on the world.
CIMA is renowned for providing ADR training with diverse representation across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Recently, it was confirmed as the title sponsor of the 2025 MMHC International Maritime Competition in the Maldives, highlighting its expanding international presence.