Former ECOWAS Court President Edward Amoako Asante Nominated to Ghana’s Supreme Court

Former President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, has been nominated to Ghana’s Supreme Court in a move that strengthens the country’s highest judicial body with one of West Africa’s most experienced jurists.

The nomination was announced by the office of President John Dramani Mahama, who also nominated Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko-Essah of the Court of Appeal and former Ghana Bar Association President Tony Forson for appointment to the Supreme Court. The nominations are subject to parliamentary approval, in accordance with Ghana’s Constitution.

According to an official statement, President Mahama made the nominations on the advice of the Judicial Council and in consultation with the Council of State, as required under Article 144 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.

If confirmed by Parliament, the three nominees will join the Supreme Court bench, reinforcing the judiciary at a time when the country continues efforts to improve judicial efficiency and public confidence in the justice system.

Justice Asante is widely respected across West Africa for his leadership of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, where he served as the institution’s sixth President from 2018 until October 2024 after being elected and re-elected by fellow judges.

During his tenure, the regional court expanded its human rights jurisprudence, improved case management systems and oversaw significant institutional reforms, including the relocation of the court to a modern headquarters in Abuja. He also presided over numerous landmark cases involving human rights, governance and the interpretation of ECOWAS treaties.

Following the completion of his presidency at the regional court, Justice Asante returned to Ghana’s Court of Appeal while continuing to enjoy recognition for his contributions to regional justice and the rule of law.

Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko-Essah, also a Justice of Ghana’s Court of Appeal, has built a reputation through years of judicial service in Ghana’s superior courts.

The third nominee, Tony Forson, is a respected private legal practitioner and former President of the Ghana Bar Association, known for his extensive experience in constitutional and commercial law.

The nominations will now proceed to Ghana’s Parliament, where the Appointments Committee is expected to vet each nominee before presenting recommendations for approval.

Legal observers say Justice Asante’s extensive experience in both domestic and international courts makes him well positioned to contribute to constitutional interpretation, appellate jurisprudence and the continued development of Ghana’s legal system.

The appointments have attracted considerable attention within Ghana’s legal community, with many viewing the inclusion of an internationally respected jurist as a significant boost to the country’s judiciary.