Preparations for the 2024 annual conference of the ECOWAS Court, slated for Freetown, Sierra Leone, received a significant boost on April 15, 2024, as President Julius Maada Bio accepted an invitation to declare the four-day conference open on May 13, 2024, in Freetown. President Bio emphasized the importance of supporting the ECOWAS Court, describing it as “our Court” and affirming Sierra Leone's commitment to ensuring the success of the conference.
Justice Edward Amoako Asante, President of the Court, expressed gratitude to President Bio for accepting the invitation, highlighting the conference's significance in bringing together legal experts, academics, and jurists to discuss relevant issues within the ECOWAS Community. The theme for this year's conference, “Enhancing the role, relevance and effectiveness of the ECOWAS Court of Justice through the strengthening of synergies between the Court and national stakeholders,” underscores the importance of collaboration between the Court and Member States.
Accompanied by Sierra Leone's acting Chief Justice, Honorable Justice N Browne-Marke, and the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohamed Lamin Tarawalley, Esq., the delegation of the Court engaged with government officials and the judicial organizing committee to assess preparations for the conference. Justice Browne-Marke assured the delegation of advanced arrangements for the event, highlighting the country's commitment to hosting a successful conference.
The visit aims to review preparations for all aspects of the conference and foster constructive discussions on strengthening the Court's relationship with national stakeholders. Justice Asante emphasized the conference's objective of proposing practical solutions to enhance the Court's role, relevance, and effectiveness.
Hosting the international conference marks a significant milestone for Sierra Leone, as it showcases the country's commitment to regional legal cooperation. Since the inaugural edition in 2004, this is the first time Sierra Leone will host the ECOWAS Court conference, reflecting the nation's dedication to promoting regional judicial collaboration and advancing the ECOWAS legal framework.
