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ECOWAS Court of Justice has handled over 700 cases

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.

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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