The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice organized a sensitization program on January 10, 2024, at the auditorium of the University of Ghana School of Law. The event was attended by the Dean, Prof. Raymond Atuguba, Ms. Susie Lamptey (School Administrator), and several staff members, faculty, and students.
The delegation from the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice was led by the current president, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, accompanied by Mr. Eric Akuete (Chief of Protocol), Mr. Apraku Nketiah (Head of Legal Services and Research), Mrs. Marie Saine (Registrar, Judicial Filing of Cases, Records, Archives, and Publication), Dr. Christopher Nyinevi (Executive Assistant to the Hon. President), and Ms. Oluwatosin Nguher (Senior Research Officer).
During the program, a series of presentations were delivered, highlighting various aspects and branches of the court, along with their respective responsibilities. The first presentation covered the court's inception, mandate, notable cases and rulings, as well as the panel and their tenures of leadership. It also addressed the challenges and difficulties the court has faced since its establishment, including the impact of changes in leadership on the court's operations.
Another presentation focused on the court's rules and the types of cases it handles, providing an extensive explanation of various legal principles and their application in the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice. It also highlighted the different types of cases addressed by the court, including criminal cases, domestic abuse and violence, litigation issues, and human rights cases. The court only accepts cases that have exhausted all avenues within the highest courts of the member states and still seek a satisfactory resolution.
In conclusion, the President of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice urged everyone present to share the knowledge gained and take full advantage of the court and its facilities, as its primary mandate is to serve the people and ensure justice in member states and nations. The court remains open to receive applications for cases. As a gesture of goodwill, the delegation made book donations to the UGSoL library.
