Accra, Oct. 20, GNA – Newly appointed judges of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice have pledged to uphold judicial independence, integrity and impartiality and expedite the delivery of justice.
They also pledged to strengthen collegiality, ensure consistency in judicial decisions and improve compliance with the Court’s judgments.
Justice Charlyne Brumskine, President of the Court, gave the assurance at the opening of a five-day orientation programme for the judges on October 19, under the theme, “Becoming an ECOWAS Judge: Judicial Excellence, Institutional Integration and Effective Adjudication.”
Congratulating the judges on assuming office on October 13, 2026, she said their responsibilities required a thorough understanding of the ECOWAS legal order, the Court’s jurisdiction and procedures, and its jurisprudence developed over more than two decades.
Justice Brumskine identified three priorities for the new College of Judges: independence and integrity, collegiality, and effectiveness.
She stressed that “public confidence in the Court depends on the fairness, impartiality and integrity demonstrated in every case.”
Justice Brumskine also called for rigorous deliberations, mutual respect and consistency in judicial decisions, as well as measures to reduce delays and align judicial work with the Court’s Strategic Plan for 2026–2030.
She emphasised the need for sustained engagement with ECOWAS Member States to improve compliance with the Court’s judgments.
The other judges attending the programme are Justice Désire Henri AIHOU, Vice-President, and Justices Henrietta Uzoamaka DIDIGU, Yaouza OURO-SAMA and Awa BAH.
Earlier, Acting Chief Registrar Dr Ousmane Diallo said the programme was designed to integrate the new judges and their Executive Assistants into the Court’s institutional and operational systems.
He said it would familiarise participants with the Court’s structure, departmental responsibilities, administrative procedures and coordination mechanisms, while clarifying the roles of judicial, legal, administrative and support services.
The programme is also expected to strengthen collaboration among judges, Executive Assistants, heads of departments and staff, improve operational efficiency and ensure effective support for the judges in discharging their duties.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey