Justice Edward Asante, the former President of the Ecowas Court of Justice, has secured a major international appointment. He was recently elected to the prestigious Advisory Committee of the United Nations (U.N.) Human Rights Council.
This notable achievement was confirmed by a statement released on Thursday from Justice Asante’s office. The announcement originated from the Community Court’s headquarters in Abuja.
The Advisory Committee operates as an 18-member think-tank for the U.N. agency. Membership demands an understanding of international human rights mechanisms, an impartial decision-making history, and diplomatic acumen.
“Justice Asante, who is currently a judge of Ghana’s Court of Appeal, and the ECOWAS Court, will serve for an initial three-year term, which is renewable once,” the statement said.
Asante, nominated by Ghana, was one of the two judges from Africa elected during the 60th session of the Council, to fill the seven vacancies in the Advisory Committee.
The Council’s Advisory Committee members, who serve in their personal capacities, are usually nominated by UN member states after consultations with national human rights institutions and civil society organisations.
The committee’s 18 membership comprises five each from Africa and Asia-Pacific countries; three each from Latin American and Caribbean countries; and two from Western European and other countries.
“Justice Asante is a distinguished jurist and seasoned international legal expert, whose extensive experience in human rights law, international humanitarian law, and judicial administration makes him an outstanding candidate for this prestigious role.
“With over three decades of legal practice and judicial service, including as President and Judge of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Justice Asante has demonstrated deep commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights across West Africa and beyond,” Ghana had stated in the nomination letter.
Ghana’s letter further said that Justice Asante was ECOWAS Court President for six years between 2018 and 2024, adding that his tenure was marked by “impactful, visionary leadership and judicial innovation.”
It further stated that Justice Asante spearheaded the development and implementation of an Electronic Case Management System at the ECOWAS Court.
His country stated that he also presided over groundbreaking rulings on civil and political rights, and led successful external court sessions, which expanded access to regional justice mechanisms.
Another ground listed for his suitability for the position are his academic and professional credentials, including training in both Public and Private International Law at the Hague Academy of International Law.
The Ghanaian government also said that Asante undertook advanced training courses in corporate risk management, judicial ethics, arbitration and governance from leading global institutions.
These qualifications, it said, were buttressed by awards recognising his leadership in justice delivery.
Among the awards are the Columbia University Global Freedom of Expression Award (2020) which he received during his tenure as President of the ECOWAS Court, and the personal African Bar Medal of Merit Award.
“Justice Asante’s unblemished probity, fidelity to equity, and ample expertise position him as an ideal candidate to render substantive contributions to the endeavours of the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee in its mission to promote human rights.
“The Government of Ghana is confident that Justice Asante’s candidacy would continue to enrich the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee’s work with his wealth of experience, balanced jurisprudence, and a firm integrity.
“His contributions will further strengthen Ghana’s role as a champion of human rights and good governance on the global stage,” Ghana’s recommendation letter had concluded.
