The Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), President John Dramani Mahama, on June 18, 2014 administered the swearing-in of seven new judges for the ECOWAS Community Court at the Flagstaff House in Accra.
The Judges who would serve for the next four years are; Jerome Traore of Burkina Faso, Mrs. Maria Do Cue Montero Silva of Guinea Bissau, Mr. Yahaya Boiro of Guinea and Mr. Micah Wilkins Wright of Liberia, Mr. Hamaye Foune Mahlmadane of Mali, Mr. Friday Chikoje Nwoke of Nigeria and Mr. Alioune Sall of Senegal.
Addressing the newly selected ECOWAS community court of Justice Judges, President John Dramani Mahama emphasized on the crucial role of the judicial council of the ECOWAS community in enhancing peace, security and stability in the sub- region, as well as in promoting the development of member states.
He therefore appealed to the Judges to be fair and circumspect in the discharge of their duties by ensuring judicious application of the law to litigants.
He also charged them to use the courts to promote fairness and unity to avoid grievances from contending parties within their jurisdiction.
The original mandate of the ECOWAS court, which became operational in 2001, covers interpretation and application of community texts and human rights.
It also plays the role of arbitration and serves as a public service court for the community on matters between the community and its staff.
President Mahama said the Judges would be called upon to provide interpretation and application of the ECOWAS treaties, protocols, conventions and decisions and the efficient discharge of their duties would ensure that the rights of ECOWAS citizens are guaranteed and protected.
The ECOWAS Chairman further stressed on the need for judges to respect the cultures of member states since the setting of the sub-region in which they will be serving is a multicultural one.
Mr. Kadre Desire Ouedraogo, President of the ECOWAS Commission, on behalf of the judicial council, commended the former Judges for their performance and expressed the hope that the new ones would follow the trend in the discharge of their duties.
He appealed to them to remain committed to their duties and avoid favoring particular states who call on the courts.
By: Prince Asare, Diplomatic Call
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