A Ghanaian Appeals Court Judge and immediate past President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, has been elected to the Advisory Committee of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
Justice Asante was one of two judges from Africa elected during the Council’s 60th session, which ended on October 8, 2025. The election filled seven vacancies on the 18-member Advisory Committee, following a strong nomination by the Republic of Ghana.
Often referred to as the “think tank” of the Council, the Advisory Committee conducts studies and provides expert guidance on thematic human rights issues at the request of the Human Rights Council.
Members serve in their personal capacities for renewable three-year terms and are nominated by UN member states after consultations with national human rights institutions and civil society organisations.
The 18 members are geographically distributed as follows: five each from Africa and the Asia-Pacific region, three each from Latin America and the Caribbean, and two from Western Europe and other states.
In its nomination letter, Ghana described Justice Asante as a “distinguished jurist and seasoned international legal expert” with extensive experience in human rights law, international humanitarian law, and judicial administration — qualities that make him an ideal candidate.
With more than three decades of legal practice and judicial service, including his tenure as President and Judge of the ECOWAS Court, Justice Asante has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights across West Africa and beyond.
During his leadership of the ECOWAS Court from August 2018 to October 2024, he was credited with judicial innovation and visionary leadership. He spearheaded the development and implementation of an Electronic Case Management System to improve efficiency and access to justice.
He also presided over landmark rulings on civil and political rights and led successful external court sessions that expanded access to regional justice mechanisms.
Justice Asante’s academic and professional credentials include training in public and private international law at The Hague Academy of International Law, as well as advanced courses in corporate risk management, judicial ethics, arbitration, and governance from leading global institutions.
He has received multiple recognitions for his contributions to justice delivery, including the Columbia University Global Freedom of Expression Award (2020), which he received on behalf of the ECOWAS Court, and the African Bar Medal of Merit Award.
Ghana, in its nomination, affirmed that Justice Asante’s integrity, impartiality, and expertise would enable him to make valuable contributions to the Advisory Committee and reinforce Ghana’s reputation as a champion of human rights and good governance on the global stage.
— GNA
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