By Morkporkpor Anku
Accra, April 23, GNA – The Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is holding a sensitisation mission in Banjul, The Gambia, from April 21 to April 25, 2026.
The annual outreach programme is designed to raise awareness of the Court’s mandate, jurisdiction, practice and procedure, and to provide citizens with information on how to access the Court.
A statement issued in Accra said the mission was intended to enhance the Court’s visibility, stressing that Community citizens should take ownership by being aware of its activities.
The mission will enlighten citizens on the Court’s jurisprudence and its impact on them and the wider sub‑region.
Activities include high‑level meetings, stakeholder engagements, presentations, discussions, interviews, and media interactions.
The sensitisation is open to ECOWAS member states, judges, government officials, the diplomatic corps, lawyers, academics, civil society organisations, human rights advocates, interest groups, law students, partners, the media and the public.
The programme began with a courtesy call on Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, and other senior government officials.
It continued with a town hall meeting at The Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Banjul on April 22, followed today by a special forum for lawyers and law students.
A judicial dialogue between Gambian judges and those of the Community Court of Justice will take place on April 24.
The statement said that media appearances would also be held to sensitise Community citizens.
Similar missions have previously been conducted in Benin, Cabo Verde, Ghana, Togo, Senegal, Guinea‑Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and in Nigerian cities including Ibadan and Lagos.
Established as the principal judicial organ of ECOWAS, the Community Court of Justice is mandated to interpret and apply Community law, adjudicate disputes, and address human rights violations within Member States.
Over the years, it has played a pivotal role in upholding justice, strengthening the rule of law, protecting human rights, and advancing regional integration across West Africa.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
23 April 2026