Edward Asante, President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice, has revealed that administrative and operational expenses consume a staggering 80% of the court’s budget.
Speaking at the 16th Administrative and Budget Retreat in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Asante underscored the financial challenges facing the court and stressed the need for prudent resource management to avoid overburdening the community.
Asante emphasized the need to manage the community’s limited resources wisely. “We must all know that the community is now financially weak and therefore we do not have to overburden the community itself,” he stated.
According to him, administrative and operational costs consume approximately 80% of the court’s budget, leaving scarce funds for other planned activities.
Despite these financial constraints, he reaffirmed the court’s dedication to fulfilling its mandate. “We still have to do our programs to let people know that the Court is also performing its function,” he said.
In his address, Asante urged retreat participants to engage in thoughtful budget discussions to develop a feasible financial plan.
“We have to be able to judge all and put our heads together to come up with the best budget which when presented to the Administration and Finance Committee (AFC) and to the Council of Ministers, they will look at it as a very good budget and approve it for us,” he added.
The retreat, intended to foster constructive dialogue and debate, seeks to leverage the collective wisdom and diverse perspectives of attendees to address the court’s financial issues.
William Towah, Director of Administration and Finance, expressed confidence in the retreat’s potential to inspire innovative solutions and renew the court’s sense of purpose.
Presenting the retreat’s objectives, Towah emphasized its importance as a platform for assessing the court’s progress and strategizing for the future.
He praised the dedication and diligence of the court’s members, which have upheld the rule of law and earned the respect of stakeholders. “Our collective efforts have earned the respect and trust of our stakeholders, creating a positive impact on the lives of those we serve,” he stated.
Towah also called for a critical assessment of the court’s shortcomings and identification of areas for improvement.
“By embracing these challenges, we can further strengthen our foundation and ensure that the court remains a beacon of justice and fairness,” he affirmed.
The annual administrative and budget retreat was attended by the court’s vice president, judges, directors, and relevant staff, all committed to navigating the court through its financial challenges and enhancing its operational efficiency.