The ECOWAS Court of Justice has commenced a week-long sensitization and training program for lawyers on its newly implemented Electronic Case Management System (ECMS).
The training which is taking place in Accra, Ghana, aims to equip legal practitioners with the necessary skills to navigate the Court’s innovative digital platform.
In his opening remarks, the President of the ECOWAS Court, Edward Amoako Asante said that the introduction of the ECMS is a commitment by the Community Court to modernize judicial processes, aiming for greater efficiency and accessibility, adding that the system supports electronic filing, automatic electronic service, and comprehensive electronic management of cases.
Justice Asante explained that these innovations by the Community Court have 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.
According to the regional court president, “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 emphasized 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 digitalization, 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.
Justice Asante, who urged all participants to fully engage with the training to harness the benefits of the ECMS, reiterated the Court’s dedication to building a more accessible and effective justice system for the community.
The president of the Community Court who expressed gratitude to the Almighty and extended warm greetings from Abuja, Nigeria, the seat of the Court highlighted the historical context of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, established under the Lagos Treaty of 1975 and operational since 2001.
He acknowledged the hospitality of the Government and people of Ghana, specifically thanked Her Ladyship the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana, and the Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
Justice Asante thanked the Chief Justice of Ghana for providing the facilities at the Law Court Complex used for the training which will end on the 19th of June, 2024.
Accra’s sensitisation and training program is the second of three planned events, following a successful session in Lomé, Togo, and preceding an upcoming session in Praia, Cape Verde.
Conducted in a hybrid format, these events ensure broad participation from lawyers across ECOWAS member states, both in person and online.
