Former ECOWAS Court President nominated to Ghana’s Supreme Court bench

Justice Edward Amoako Asante, a former President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, has been nominated to the Supreme Court of the Republic of Ghana by President John Dramani Mahama. 

Justice Asante, who recently completed his tenure at the regional court, served three terms, totaling six years, as President until October 2024, when he relinquished office as the sixth President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice. 

A statement issued in Accra said a Justice of Ghana’s Court of Appeal, Justice Asante was nominated alongside Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko, also of the Court of Appeal, and Mr Tony Forson, a former President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA). 

Under Ghana’s constitutional process, the Supreme Court appointments are made by the
President on the advice of the Judicial Council and in consultation with the Council of State. 

The nominees will be vetted by Parliament’s Appointments Committee, whose recommendations will be subject to the approval of the House. 

If approved, the appointments will increase the number of Supreme Court judges from 18 to 21 strengthening the Court’s capacity to hear constitutional, civil and criminal cases. 

Justice Asante’s nomination comes after a distinguished judicial career at both the national and regional levels, during which he contributed significantly to the development of human rights jurisprudence in West Africa. 

It said among his recent international recognitions was his appointment in October 2025 to the Advisory Committee of the United Nations Human Rights Council, an 18-member expert body that serves as the Council’s think tank. 

It said membership of the Advisory Committee requires a demonstrated understanding of international human rights mechanisms, a proven record of impartial decision-making and the diplomatic skills to navigate complex global issues. 

During his presidency of the ECOWAS Court, Justice Asante oversaw the expansion of the Court’s jurisprudence through landmark judgments on civil and political rights, drawing on continental and international human rights instruments. 

In recognition of the Court’s contribution to the protection of freedom of expression, Justice Asante received the Columbia University Global Freedom of Expression Award on behalf of the Court in 2020. 

The award, established by the New York-based university in 2015, honours judicial decisions that advance and strengthen freedom of expression around the world. 

Justice Asante also spearheaded the development of the Court’s Electronic Case Management System (ECMS), enabling litigants to file court processes virtually and facilitating virtual court sessions. 

The introduction of the ECMS reduced litigation costs, improved access to justice and enhanced the implementation of human rights instruments across the ECOWAS region. 

He also initiated the development of a modern and more dynamic website for the ECOWAS Court to align its operations with evolving technological advancements and improve public access to the Court’s work. 

Source: GNA