The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has organised a sensitisation programme to create awareness on the services of the Court. The programme was held on Thursday 11th January, 2024 at the Foreign Ministry.
The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, in his opening remarks reiterated Ghana’s unwavering support for the ECOWAS Court of Justice through active participation in the activities of the Court. He also acknowledged the pivotal role the Court plays in promoting legal harmonisation, upholding the rule of law, promoting human rights, fostering regional integration and resolving disputes within the ECOWAS community.
Hon. Ampratwum-Sarpong further indicated that the sensitisation programme serves as a vital platform to bridge the gap between the Court and the citizens it serves, thereby enabling a greater understanding of the court’s mandates and functions. He therefore urged the participants at the programme to actively engage in the discussions, in order to deepen their understanding of the ECOWAS Court’s mechanisms.
A representative from the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Mr. Nketiah Apraku, stated that the sensitisation programme was an annual event of the Court of Justice which is used to engage the citizens on the mandate and existence of the ECOWAS Court of Justice and Ghana was selected this year for the sensitisation programme. He was of the hope that the programme would enable participants to have a greater understanding of the services the Court provides.
The event was attended by representatives of the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies and individuals from Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
Earlier in the week, the ECOWAS Court of Justice held a similar sensitisation programme for law students of the University of Ghana and the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).