Ghana’s Appeals Court Judge Elected to Advisory Committee of UN Human Rights Council

geneva: A Ghanaian Appeals Court judge, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, who is also the immediate past president of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, has been elected to the prestigious Advisory Committee of the United Nations Human Rights Council, an 18-member think-tank for the Council.According to Ghana News Agency, Justice Asante will serve for an initial three-year term, which is renewable once. He was one of two judges from Africa elected during the 60th session of the Council that concluded on 8th October 2025, filling seven vacancies in the Advisory Committee. His election followed a strong nomination by the Republic of Ghana.Members of the Committee serve in their personal capacities and are nominated by States Members of the United Nations. This process involves consultations with national human rights institutions and civil society organizations. The geographic distribution of the 18 members comprises five each from Africa and Asia-Pacific States, three each from Latin American and Caribbean States, and the remaining two from Western European and other States.In its nomination letter, Ghana described Justice Asante as a distinguished jurist and seasoned international legal expert, highlighting his extensive experience in human rights law, international humanitarian law, and judicial administration. These credentials were cited as making him an outstanding candidate for the role.With over three decades of legal practice and judicial service, including his tenure as President and judge of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Justice Asante has shown a deep commitment to promoting and protecting human rights across West Africa and beyond. His time as President between August 2018 and October 2024 was marked by leadership and judicial innovation.Ghana also highlighted Justice Asante's professional achievements, including his role in developing and implementing an Electronic Case Management System at the ECOWAS Court, presiding over a ruling on civil and political rights, and leading external Court sessions to expand access to regional justice mechanisms.Further, his 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 institutions. These are complemented by awards recognizing his leadership in justice delivery, such as the Columbia University Global Freedom of Expression Award received during his presidency of the ECOWAS Court, and the African Bar Medal of Merit Award.The letter emphasized that membership of the advisory committee requires a candidate with an understanding of international human rights mechanisms, a proven decision-making track record, and diplomatic acumen. Justice Asante's qualifications and expertise were noted as positioning him ideally to contribute to the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee's mission.The nomination letter concluded with the Government of Ghana expressing confidence th at Justice Asante's contributions would enrich the Committee's work with his experience, balanced jurisprudence, and integrity, further strengthening Ghana's role in championing human rights and governance on the global stage.