The new Chief Registrar of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, was on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 sworn-in at the Court’s headquarters in Abuja.
The swearing in ceremony, according to the statement from the regional curt, was attended by Judges, Staff and a delegation from the ECOWAS Commission.
It explained that the new Chief Registrar took over from Mr. Tony Anene-Maidoh, who spent close to 20 years in the position.
The ceremony featured the administration of oath of office on the new Chief Registrar by the President of the Court, Justice Edward Amoako Asante.
“It is my conviction that the good work that the out-going chief Registrar started will be continued and improved and we are confident that with a younger and vibrant Chief Registrar with diverse experience in law ably supported by his new assistants, the Court will achieve more, “the President of the Court said in his speech at the ceremony.
In his valedictory speech, the former Chief Registrar, Mr. Anene-Maidoh, paid glowing tribute to the Judges and staff that have served the Court since its establishment about 20 years ago for the substantial progress recorded during the period which has elevated the Court to a global brand. He listed the milestones recorded during the period to include the introduction of the electronic case management system which enables the virtual filing of cases and conduct of court sessions, both of which have contributed to improving access to the Court.
He also listed the setting up of an efficient Archive Unit as part of its achievements and suggested the early deployment of the external module/interface of the electronic case management system to enable lawyers and external stakeholders access the court, file their processes and follow procedures online.
The former Chief Registrar used the opportunity to present a copy of the latest law report of the Court, the 2016 edition to the President of the Court and stressed the need to expedite the clearing of the backlog of the report in order to bring them up to date.
Mr Anene-Maidoh entreated the new chief registrar to advance the activities and programmes of the Court.
“As Chief Registrar, you are the institutional memory and will need to work very hard to make sure that memory is full and useful to the honourable judges and the staff,” he added.
The oath was also administered on new staff, including Mr Nketiah Apraku, Head, Legal Services and Research; Mr Aboubacar Diakite, Registrar, Judicial Process and Case Management; Mrs Marie Saine, Registrar, Judicial Records, Archives and Publication; Mr. Gaye Sowe, Registrar, Appeals, Arbitration and Enforcement; and Mr Ghislain Agbozo, Senior Research and Legal Affairs Officer.
In his speech, Mr Ouro-Sama, the incoming chief registrar thanked the management and staff of the court for the warmth with which he was received and assured the management of the Court of his readiness to work assiduously for the advancement of the Court and appealed to staff to extend the hands of collaboration to him for greater achievement as a team.
“I am joining with the passion to contribute to the development and evolution of the Court. Let us be united because together achieve a lot.”
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Vice President of the Court, Justice Gberi-Be Ouattara, described the oath taking aspect of the ceremony as a symbol of initiation into the family of the Court. He enjoined the new chief registrar to carry out his duties with respect and humility while maintaining his dignity.
He noted that the former Chief Registrar will remain an important resource for the Court because of his institutional memory and experience during his service to the Community.
In attendance at the ceremony were Honorable Justice Dupe Atoki (Member) and Justices Keikura Bangura and Januaria Moreira Costa, who have just completed their four year tenure in the Court, the Deputy Chief Registrar, Director of Research and Documentation, Director of Administration and Finance, and Heads of Divisions and Units and staff.
A delegation from the ECOWAS Commission comprising officials from the office of the Vice President, Audit, Human Resources and Communications Departments also witnessed the ceremony.
GIK/APA