By Vincent Obi
Abuja, June 14, 2024 — The ECOWAS Court of Justice on Friday commenced a week-long sensitization and training programme for lawyers on its newly implemented Electronic Case Management System (ECMS).
This significant event, taking place in Accra, Ghana, from 14 to 19 June, 2024, aims to equip legal practitioners with the necessary skills to navigate the Court’s innovative digital platform.
In his opening remarks from Abuja, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, expressed gratitude to the Almighty and extended warm greetings from Abuja, Nigeria, the seat of the Court.
He acknowledged the hospitality of the Government and people of Ghana, and specifically thanked Her Ladyship, the Chief Justice of Ghana, and the Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
Justice Asante highlighted the historical context of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, established under the Lagos Treaty of 1975 and operational since 2001.
He emphasised the Court’s expanded jurisdiction to include human rights cases since 2005, underscoring its crucial role in upholding fundamental human rights, the rule of law, and good governance within the ECOWAS region.
The President outlined the Court’s efforts to enhance access to justice through digitalisation, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, saying that the adoption of the 2020 Practice Directions on Electronic Case Management and Virtual Court Sessions marked a significant shift towards technological solutions.
These innovations have now become permanent features, including online filing of legal documents, electronic service of documents, and virtual court sessions via platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, the president explained.
Justice Asante said that the introduction of the ECMS represents a further commitment to modernising judicial processes, aiming for greater efficiency and accessibility.
He added that the system supports electronic filing, automatic electronic service, and comprehensive
electronic management of cases.
“With 24/7 access through a user-friendly portal available in English, French, and Portuguese, the ECMS facilitates real-time case information, court notifications, and hearing schedules, enhancing transparency and reducing costs,” he emphasised.
The sensitisation and training programme in Accra is the second of three planned events, following a successful session in Lomé, Togo, and preceding an upcoming session in Praia, Cabo Verde.
Conducted in a hybrid format, these events ensure broad participation from lawyers across ECOWAS member states, both in person and online.
Justice Asante thanked the Chief Justice of Ghana for providing the facilities at the Law Court Complex and encouraged all participants to fully engage with the training to harness the benefits of the ECMS.
He reiterated the Court’s dedication to building a more accessible and effective justice system for the community.
