ECOWAS Court of Justice Elects New Leadership

By Iyojo Ameh

The ECOWAS Court of Justice (CCJ) has elected Justice Ricardo Gonçalves from Cape Verde as its new President, alongside Justice Sengu Koroma from Sierra Leone as Vice President.

The elections took place during a session attended by the court’s five judges, and was presided over by Guinea-Bissau’s President, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, the outgoing chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

Justice Gonçalves takes over from Ghana’s Justice Edward Asante, who served as the court’s President for six years, while Justice Koroma replaces Justice Gberi-bè Ouattara from Ivory Coast as Vice President.

Justice Asante, having been recommended for a position on Ghana’s Supreme Court, will continue to serve as a judge of the ECOWAS Court until his extended tenure ends in 2026. During his presidency, he was credited with spearheading several transformative initiatives within the court, including modernizing its infrastructure and operations.

One of his landmark achievements was relocating the court to a more spacious complex in Gudu District, Abuja, in 2023, addressing the previous overcrowding issues. He also introduced an electronic case management system that enabled virtual hearings, easing the financial and logistical burden for applicants across ECOWAS member states.

Reflecting on his time as president, Justice Asante described his tenure as “a valuable and insightful experience” that underscored the importance of human rights, accountability, and transparency in fostering regional integration.

In his inaugural address, Justice Gonçalves emphasized his vision for the court, focusing on two key areas: responsibility and dialogue. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the court remains an independent, efficient, and accessible institution for the citizens of ECOWAS. He also stressed the importance of maintaining active dialogue with ECOWAS institutions, member states, and civil society to achieve the court’s mandate.

Justice Gonçalves further pledged to manage ECOWAS funds prudently and ensure that the court continues to deliver justice fairly and efficiently across the region.