The advance team of the ECOWAS Court for its 2024 international conference, led by its President, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, arrived in Freetown, Sierra Leone on Wednesday, 8th May 2024 to finalise arrangements for the four day conference, which will be opened on Monday, 13th May 2024 by President Julius Maada Bio.
They were received by a high level delegation of the judiciary of the Republic of Sierra Leone, led by the acting Chief Justice M C Browne-Marke, who chairs the national committee for the conference, which is being hosted for the first time in the country.
The President of the Court used the opportunity to reiterate the gratitude of the Court for the excellent arrangements that have been made by the country to host the conference, which will be held at the Freetown international conference centre.
“ I am deeply honoured by the presence of the Chief Justice to receive the advance team which speaks to the seriousness attached to the conference and the high esteem the court is held in this very important member state,” Justice Asante said.
Responding, Chief Justice Browne-Marke said the reception lends further credence to the country’s reputation for hospitality and a further demonstration of its desire to ensure a hugely successful hosting.
The 14-member delegation of the Court also includes Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma, a judge of the Court from Sierra Leone, the Chief Registrar of the Court and other officials of the Court involved in preparations for the conference.
The four day conference is being held on the theme Enhancing the role, relevance and effectiveness of the ECOWAS Court of Justice through the strengthening of synergies between the Court and National stakeholders.
About 250 people, mainly Academics, Chief Justices of Member States, lawyers and officials from the National Units of Member States, will participate in the conference, a flagship programe of the Court.