Ghana Strengthens legal front at the Ecowas court with Capacity Building workshop For State Attorneys

April 14, 2025

Ridge, Accra: On 7th april 2025, 50 State Attorneys commenced a four-day capacity building training on effective representation at the ECOWAS Court of Justice.

Present at the training were the Solicitor General, Mrs Helen Akpene Awo Ziwu, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Justice and Attorney Generals Department and the Head of the Legal Services and Research Division, ECOWAS Mr Apraku Nketiah. Also present at the training were Chief State Attorneys, Principal State attorneys and state attorneys at the Civil Division of the Attorney-General’s Department.

Speaking at the training, the Solicitor General, Mrs Helen Akpene Awo Ziwu, emphasized the importance of the training in addressing challenges faced by State Attorneys in their representation of the state before the Ecowas court. She intimated that, the training represented a crucial step in bosltering Ghana’s legal presence in member-state disputes at regional level
According to the Solicitor General, the capacity building exercise would ensure a greater appreciation for rules, timelines and procedures at the ECOWAS Court, enhancing overall legal efficiency and compliance.

For his part, Head of the Legal Services and Research Division at ECOWAS Apraku Nketiah, stated that building the capacity of its attorneys reinforces Ghana’s commitment to human rights, the rule of law, and the effective implementation of ECOWAS legal standards.

Mr apraku Nketiah stated that while State Attorneys were already apprised in Ghanaian law and procedure, ECOWAS Court practice required specialized knowledge thus the need to be equip with the rules and procedure applicable to the court
Mr Nketiah highlighted the unique legal environment of the ECOWAS Court, stating that the enforcement rate of its judgements/decisions stands at about 30 percent. He therefore urged state attorneys to act as advocates within government to enhance enforcement outcomes.

Established pursuant to the provisions of Articles 6 and 15 of the 1993 ECOWAS Revised Treaty, the ECOWAS COURT is the principal legal organ of the Community. The court handles disputes between member states and addresses human rights complaints brought by individuals in member-states.

The Court is composed of five (5) independent Judges who are appointed by the Authority of Heads of State of Government, from nationals of Member States for a four-year non-renewable term.