In a significant stride towards fostering regional legal collaboration, a high-profile delegation from the ECOWAS Court touched down in Freetown on Sunday, April 14th, 2024.
Led by the esteemed President of the Court, Honorable Justice Edward Amoako Asante, the 12-member delegation aims to engage with senior officials of the Sierra Leonean government and the country’s Bar Association.
Their mission? To lay the groundwork for the forthcoming 2024 conference of the Court, slated to be hosted by Sierra Leone.
Justice Asante expressed anticipation for fruitful discussions, stating, “We expect to meet with several officials to set up a framework for collaboration towards the success of the conference.”
Notably, the delegation received a warm welcome from President Julius Maada Bio, signaling the nation’s wholehearted endorsement of hosting the prestigious event.
During their five-day visit, the delegation plans to convene with key figures including the Chief Justice, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, judiciary officials, Bar Association representatives, and members of the local organizing committee.
A pivotal aspect of their agenda is to evaluate the facilities at the Freetown International Conference Centre, the designated venue for the four-day conference scheduled from May 13th to 16th, 2024.
Accompanying Justice Asante is Justice Sengu M. Koroma, a distinguished judge of the Court hailing from Sierra Leone, along with the Court’s Chief Registrar and other personnel.
The annual conference serves as a cornerstone event, assembling regional experts to deliberate on pressing legal matters.
This year’s theme, “Enhancing the role, relevance and effectiveness of the ECOWAS Court of Justice through the strengthening of synergies between the Court and national stakeholders,” underscores the Court’s commitment to bolstering its ties with member states.
Justice Asante elucidated that the conference provides a vital platform for fostering dialogue among judges, legal scholars, bar association members, and other stakeholders.
Moreover, it offers an invaluable opportunity for Court officials to fortify relationships with stakeholders, thus enhancing fraternal ties within the region.
With a focus on constructive discourse, the 2024 conference aims to identify avenues for fortifying the Court’s engagement with national stakeholders and devising pragmatic solutions to enhance its role and effectiveness.
As anticipation mounts, the stage is set for a dynamic exchange of ideas and collaboration at the upcoming ECOWAS Court conference in Sierra Leone.
