Justice Edward Amoako Asante, the immediate past President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, has lauded the court’s growing influence and productivity, revealing that it has handled more than 700 cases since its inception in 2005.
Speaking at a public lecture held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), on April 10, 2025, Justice Asante described the ECOWAS Court as the most active international court on the continent, emphasising its key role in promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in West Africa.
Delivering a lecture titled “Building A Community Court of Justice That Works for the Citizens of ECOWAS: Some Reflections,” he detailed the court’s activities over the past two decades.
According to him, as of February 28, 2025, the court had recorded 727 filed cases, delivered 145 rulings, 154 judgments, 43 post-judgment decisions, and eight advisory opinions.
“As of 28th February, this year, a total of 727 cases have been filed in the court since it began operations in 2005,” he said.
Justice Asante highlighted several landmark cases, including the 2020 Amnesty International judgment, which ruled on the impact of internet shutdowns on freedom of expression.
That decision earned international recognition, winning the Columbia University Global Freedom of Expression Prize.
The ECOWAS Court has also ruled on the Togo 2017 internet shutdown, determining it breached Article 9 of the African Charter and awarding damages to affected citizens.
Justice Asante praised the court’s accessibility and efficiency, positioning it as a leading sub-regional judicial institution.
He further announced an upcoming ECOWAS Moot Court Competition, aimed at strengthening students’ legal research, advocacy, and understanding of ECOWAS legal frameworks.
The lecture was part of UPSA Law Faculty’s initiatives to engage legal minds in conversations on regional justice and governance.
