MoPED Engages ECOWAS Court President on Enforcement of Court Judgments.

The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) held a bilateral meeting with the President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice on 9 February to discuss the status of enforcing ECOWAS Court judgments in Sierra Leone. The meeting was held at the MoPED Conference Room.

The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Minister Kenyeh Barlay, welcomed the President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Hon. Ricardo Goncalves, alongside members of his delegation and cabinet representatives from across the region. The meeting was attended by the Minister, President of the ECOWAS Court, His delegation, and key staff from MoPED.

Speaking during the meeting, President Goncalves explained that the engagement formed part of activities marking the 50th Anniversary of ECOWAS, during which the Court resolved to hold bilateral discussions with key institutions in Member States on the enforcement of its judgments.

Under the ECOWAS Revised Treaty, the 1991 Protocol on the Court, and the Supplementary Protocol of 2005, judgments of the Community Court of Justice of ECOWAS are binding on Member States, ECOWAS institutions, individuals, and corporate bodies.

President Goncalves expressed concern over the low enforcement rate of the Court’s decisions, noting that enforcement across the region currently stands at approximately 20 per cent. He disclosed that 11 judgments have been delivered, none of which have been implemented to date.

“The greatest challenge facing the Court today is the enforcement of its decisions. One must ask what the essence of the ECOWAS Court of Justice is, if its judgments cannot be enforced,” President Goncalves said.

He stressed the importance of collaboration with national institutions to ensure judgments are implemented in line with regional legal obligations.

In her response, Minister Barlay reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening national systems to support the effective functioning of the regional judicial framework. She underscored the link between the rule of law and sustainable economic development, noting that a strong legal system is fundamental to good governance.

While acknowledging awareness of some ECOWAS Court rulings, the Minister stated that she had only recently been fully briefed on the number of judgments and the current enforcement rate, adding that all Member States have a shared responsibility to support the Court.

“The ECOWAS Court of Justice is critical to our regional integration and governance framework, and its effectiveness depends on the collective commitment of Member States to uphold and enforce its decisions,” Minister Barlay said.

She concluded by thanking the President of the Court and his delegation for the engagement and assured them of MoPED’s willingness to work with relevant institutions to address the enforcement challenges.

Senior Correspondent - Francess Fatmata Baio

Email: baiofrancess191@gmail.com

Tel: 079331713

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