The Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has elected Honourable Justice Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves as its new President. Justice Gonçalves, from Cabo Verde, was elected by the court’s five judges on Monday, October 14, 2024, to serve a two-year term. He succeeds Hon. Justice Edward Amoako Asante, who held the position for six years.
In the same election, Honourable Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma of Sierra Leone was elected as Vice President, replacing Hon. Justice Gberi-bè Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire.
Justice Gonçalves, who was initially sworn in as a judge in October 2022, outlined his vision for the court during his inaugural address, focusing on two key pillars: responsibility and dialogue. He emphasized the court’s duty to uphold ECOWAS laws and to function as an independent, reliable, and accessible institution. He also pledged to strengthen collaboration with ECOWAS bodies, member states, and civil society, while promoting financial prudence.
The outgoing president, Justice Asante (Ghana), and outgoing vice president, Justice Ouattara, will continue to serve alongside Nigerian Justice Dupe Atoki as the remaining members of the court.
