Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, president, ECOWAS Court of Justice, has expressed the court’s renewed commitment to enhancing access to justice and integration within the sub-region in the new legal year.

This is contained in a statement on Monday by Elohor Ovadje, the court’s spokesperson.

The court officially resumed activities for the 2025/2026 Legal Year following its official opening on October 2 by the president.

Mr Gonçalves pledged to prioritise enhanced access to justice through electronic case management, outreach missions, and training of legal professionals.

He also said that the court would deepen cooperation with member states’ national courts, professional associations and civil society organisations.

The president further said that the court had embraced digitalisation of its operation to reduce costs, eliminate geographical barriers and enhance transparency, efficiency and accountability.

He highlighted the judicial activities of the court in the past year to include key achievements, operational developments and challenges facing the court.

Mr Gonçalves disclosed that the court registered 34 new cases in the previous year, delivered 54 judgements, held 79 court sessions, with 112 cases pending.

According to him, harmonised protocol and arbitration rules were validated by ECOWAS Ministers of Justice, while the new instructions to the Chief Registrar and practice directions (2025) were adopted.

“The court also held an inaugural Moot Court Competition among some university law students to deepen knowledge of the court’s mandate and jurisprudence.

“A meeting of competent national authorities responsible for the enforcement of the court’s judgments to exchange ideas on the implementation of same was also held.”

He further said that the court held the finalisation meeting of a new Five-Year Strategic Plan (2026 – 2030) in line with the ECOWAS Vision 2050.

Mr Gonçalves appealed to ECOWAS member states and institutions to ensure the implementation of the court’s judgements.

“The court continues to face difficulties, notably the persistent non-enforcement of its judgments and insufficient resources due to the broader economic climate.

“Civil societies should also remain vigilant and engage in defending justice, integration and citizens’ rights.

“The youth in the sub-region should continue to see the court as a symbol of justice that listens and protects their rights,” he added.

(NAN)