Ex-ECOWAS Court President Edward Asante Joins UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee

Former President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Justice Edward Asante, has been elected to the Advisory Committee of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

A statement from the ECOWAS Court headquarters in Abuja on Thursday confirmed that Justice Asante’s election took place during the Council’s 60th session, where he emerged as one of two African judges selected to fill seven available seats on the 18-member committee.

The UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee acts as a research and advisory body composed of independent experts who provide evidence-based recommendations to the Council. Members are nominated by UN member states in consultation with national human rights institutions and civil society groups.

Justice Asante, who also serves on Ghana’s Court of Appeal, will serve a three-year renewable term.

In its nomination letter, the Government of Ghana described him as a “distinguished jurist and seasoned international legal expert” with more than 30 years of experience in human rights law, humanitarian law, and judicial administration.

During his tenure as ECOWAS Court President between 2018 and 2024, Asante introduced key reforms, including the Electronic Case Management System, and delivered several landmark rulings on civil and political rights within West Africa.

He studied Public and Private International Law at the Hague Academy of International Law and completed advanced training in corporate risk management, judicial ethics, arbitration, and governance.

Justice Asante’s recognitions include the Columbia University Global Freedom of Expression Award (2020) and the African Bar Medal of Merit Award.

The Ghanaian government expressed confidence that his appointment will reinforce global efforts to advance justice and human rights, while strengthening Ghana’s role as a leading advocate of good governance and human rights promotion.