Virtual hearings will strengthen access to justice in W/Africa – ECOWAS Court President

President of the ECOWAS Court, Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, has said that the newly launched Electronic Case Management System (ECMS) will enhance access to justice across the region.

Gonçalves made the statement on Monday during the launch of the platform at the ECOWAS Court of Justice Headquarters, Abuja.

He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had accelerated the need for judicial modernisation, leading to the adoption of the ECMS and the introduction of virtual hearings.

According to him, the ECMS is a secure, multilingual, web-based electronic platform that will enable the digital management of all stages of judicial proceedings, from the electronic filing of claims to digital archiving, including case management, electronic notifications, secure communication and real-time monitoring of cases.

He explained that the platform, which is available in English, French and Portuguese, will significantly reduce administrative delays, eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic procedures and enhance transparency, accountability and efficiency.

Gonçalves said, “Legal professionals will be able to submit documents and monitor cases remotely; litigants will benefit from easier access and faster processing; Member States will see their confidence in a modern and efficient justice system strengthened; judges will have better tools for case management; and the Court’s Registry will operate with a fully digital and more efficient administration.”

He stressed that the digital transformation is not intended to replace the judicial function, noting that the Court’s decisions remain firmly grounded in the law, judicial independence and fairness.

He called on judges, staff, lawyers, Member States, litigants and partners to fully embrace this new platform and contribute to strengthening justice in the Community.

In his welcome address, the Chief Registrar of the ECOWAS Court, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, urged member states to embrace innovation with optimism and determination, saying it will build a legacy of fairness and progress for generations to come.

He added that the ECMS will streamline case management by reducing delays and eliminating bottlenecks; enhance transparency; promote accessibility and strengthen regional integration by harmonising judicial processes across ECOWAS member states.

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