University of Ghana Law School Wins Distinction at ICC International Mediation Competition

The University of Ghana Law School Mediation Team has made a remarkable debut as Ghana’s first representative at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) International Mediation Competition.

The pioneering team comprised Lilyan Boamah, Senam King, Pomaa Oppong Bediako, and Edward Adeabah, under the guidance of coaches Rachel Haizel, Emmanuella Naa Ashardey Ashley, and mentor Nahum Agyepong. They participated in the 21st ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition, winning the prestigious Award of Achievement: Distinction for Acknowledgement of Cultural Differences.

“The recognition for acknowledging cultural differences underscores our commitment to professional mediation and global standards,” the team stated following their return.

ICC Competition: A Global Platform

The ICC Competition, considered the Olympics of Mediation, welcomed 120 professionals from 36 countries and 58 universities from 34 countries at ICC Headquarters in Paris. Over 200 mock mediations were conducted, testing negotiation and mediation skills at an elite international level.

The University of Auckland emerged as the 2026 Champions, with notable participation from Bucerius Law School (Germany), University of Warsaw, University of Georgia, Royal Institute of Colombo, University of Southampton, Yale University, University of Sao Paolo, and the National Law School of India University, Bangalore.

Recognition and Feedback

The University of Ghana team presented their award to Sir Sam Jonah, Chairman of ICC Ghana, and Emmanuel Doni-Kwame, Secretary General.

Sir Sam Jonah congratulated the team for their achievement, noting that not winning the ultimate award should serve as a learning experience. He also highlighted the declining numbers of male law students and called for efforts to achieve gender balance in future competitions.

Emmanuel Doni-Kwame assured the delegation that ICC Ghana would collaborate with the University of Ghana to organize a national competition, aimed at attracting top candidates for future international events.

About the ICC Mediation Competition

The ICC International Mediation Competition is designed to promote effective mediation and facilitate the exchange of ideas, experience, and skills between students and professionals from diverse countries, cultures, and generations.

A key focus of the competition is acknowledgement and respect for cultural diversity, a principle the University of Ghana team successfully demonstrated.

With over 100 years of experience, the ICC International Court of Arbitration remains a leading global arbitral institution, providing dispute resolution frameworks including the ICC Rules of Arbitration, ICC Mediation Rules, ICC Expert Rules, and ICC Dispute Board Rules.

Source: Accra Business News