UN Human Rights Council Elects Ghana’s Justice Edward Amoako Asante to Advisory Committee.
By Raymond Enoch
In a landmark achievement for Ghana’s judiciary and West Africs, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, a distinguished judge of the Ghana Court of Appeal and immediate past President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, has been elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Advisory Committee. His election was confirmed during the Council’s 60th session, which concluded on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, in Geneva.
Justice Asante becomes one of only two African representatives elected to the 18-member Advisory Committee, which serves as the Council’s independent think tank on global human rights issues. Members are selected in their personal capacities through nominations submitted by UN member states, following consultations with national human rights institutions and civil society bodies.
The Advisory Committee reflects global representation with five members each from Africa and the Asia-Pacific, three from Latin America and the Caribbean, and two from Western Europe and other states.
Justice Asante will serve an initial three-year term, renewable once. His candidacy was strongly backed by the Republic of Ghana, which described him in its nomination as “a distinguished jurist and seasoned international legal expert,” citing his exceptional record in human rights law, international humanitarian law, and judicial leadership.
Ghana’s nomination highlighted Justice Asante’s career spanning over three decades, emphasizing his commitment to justice and human rights, particularly during his tenure as President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice from August 2018 to October 2024. His leadership at the regional court was hailed as visionary, transformative, and grounded in legal innovation.
Among his major accomplishments was the introduction of an Electronic Case Management System at the ECOWAS Court, which significantly enhanced transparency and efficiency. He also presided over landmark rulings on civil and political rights and championed external Court sessions that expanded public access to regional justice systems across West Africa.
Justice Asante’s credentials include advanced training in public and private international law from the Hague Academy of International Law, along with professional development in judicial ethics, arbitration, corporate risk management, and governance at globally recognized institutions. His accolades include the Columbia University Global Freedom of Expression Award (2020), received during his presidency of the ECOWAS Court, and the African Bar Medal of Merit.
Ghana’s endorsement underscored that Justice Asante possesses the impartiality, insight, and diplomatic finesse required for the Advisory Committee role, stating that his “unblemished probity, fidelity to equity, and ample expertise position him as an ideal candidate to render substantive contributions to the Human Rights Council’s mission.”
The Government of Ghana expressed confidence that Justice Asante will bring to the Advisory Committee a balanced jurisprudence, deep integrity, and a global outlook, reaffirming Ghana’s standing as a principled advocate for human rights and democratic governance on the world stage.
