Chief Justice Advocates for Technology in West African Justice Systems

The Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, has emphasized the critical role of technology in enhancing collaboration and enforcement of fundamental human rights across West African countries. Speaking at the Sensitisation and Training on Electronic Case Management System (ECMS) workshop organized by the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Accra, Justice Torkornoo highlighted how technology can streamline justice delivery for the benefit of the populace.

Justice Torkornoo noted that leveraging technology could significantly reduce delays in the justice system by simplifying procedures and cutting down on time wastage. "The narrative of the impact of technology on justice delivery has been positively well documented. Technology is affording us a justice delivery opportunity to cut costs, be more efficient, and avoid unnecessary delays in the administration of justice," she remarked.

The Chief Justice cited the COVID-19 pandemic as a pivotal moment demonstrating that the geographical location of courts no longer needs to hinder the delivery of justice. She commended the ECOWAS Court for pioneering electronic justice among its member states. "I am especially glad that efforts are being made by the ECOWAS Court not just to open its doors for access to justice on a supranational level but to perform the retail act that would provoke and mobilize appropriate use of the regional court for justice delivery," she added.

The week-long workshop, running from June 14 to 19, aims to equip legal practitioners with the skills necessary to navigate the ECOWAS Court’s new digital platform. In his opening remarks, Hon. Justice Edward Amoako Asante, President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, expressed gratitude to the Almighty and extended warm greetings from Abuja, Nigeria, the seat of the Court. He acknowledged the hospitality of the Ghanaian government and thanked the Chief Justice and the Attorney General and Minister of Justice.

Justice Asante provided a historical overview of the ECOWAS Court, established under the Lagos Treaty of 1975 and operational since 2001. He underscored the Court’s expanded jurisdiction since 2005 to include human rights cases, highlighting its essential role in upholding fundamental human rights, the rule of law, and good governance within the ECOWAS region.

The President emphasized the Court’s shift towards digital solutions, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the adoption of the 2020 Practice Directions on Electronic Case Management and Virtual Court Sessions. These measures, now permanent, include online filing, electronic service of documents, and virtual court sessions via platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

Justice Asante pointed out that the new ECMS represents a further commitment to modernizing judicial processes, offering greater efficiency and accessibility. "With 24/7 access through a user-friendly portal available in English, French, and Portuguese, the ECMS facilitates real-time case information, court notifications, and hearing schedules, enhancing transparency and reducing costs," he stated.

This Accra workshop is the second in a series of three events, following a successful session in Lomé, Togo, and preceding an upcoming session in Praia, Cabo Verde. Conducted in a hybrid format, these events ensure broad participation from lawyers across ECOWAS member states, both in person and online.

Justice Asante concluded by thanking the Chief Justice of Ghana for providing the facilities at the Law Court Complex and encouraged all participants to fully engage with the training to maximize the benefits of the ECMS. He reaffirmed the Court’s dedication to building a more accessible and effective justice system for the community.

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