By Kodjo Adams
Accra, April 10, GNA – Justice Edward Amoako Asante, Immediate Past President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, has described the court as the most active among international courts on the continent.
He stated that since its establishment in 2005, the court has handled 727 cases, delivering 145 rulings, 154 judgments, 43 post-judgment decisions, and eight advisory opinions.
Speaking at a lecture in Accra titled “Building A Community Court of Justice That Works for the Citizens of ECOWAS: Some Reflections,” Justice Asante said the court had been instrumental in advancing its jurisprudence, safeguarding human rights, and promoting the rule of law and democracy.
He cited notable judgments, including the 2020 Amnesty International case, which addressed the effects of internet shutdowns on freedom of expression and earned the Columbia University Global Freedom of Expression Prize.
The lecture was organized by the Law Faculty of the University for Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
Justice Asante referenced another ruling where the court considered Nigerian security forces’ indiscriminate targeting of women out at night as prostitutes.
Apart from being out at night, there was no evidence to prove that such women were engaged in prostitution,” he said, adding that the act violated Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter and protocols on women’s rights.
Highlighting the court’s achievements, Justice Asante said it had become the most accessible and efficient sub-regional court in Africa, addressing cases like Togo’s 2017 internet shutdown during protests.
He said that the court found the shutdown violated Article 9 of the African Charter and awarded damages to affected individuals.
Justice Asante called for member states and law schools to include ECOWAS law in legal education curricula.
He commended UPSA, the University of Ghana, and KNUST law faculties for independently introducing ECOWAS law courses.
Justice Asante also announced the ECOWAS Moot Court competition scheduled for later in the year, aiming to enhance legal knowledge, research, and advocacy in ECOWAS law.
GNA
KAS