The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS has commenced a five-day workshop on the Operationalisation of its Records Management and Archives Policy, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, institutional efficiency and the preservation of its judicial heritage.
The workshop brings together directors, heads of divisions and units, office managers and other staff of the Court to enhance their understanding of the Records Management and Archives Policy adopted during the Court’s Judicial retreat in November 2025 and to equip them with the practical skills required for its effective implementation across all departments and units.
In his opening remarks, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, Chief Registrar emphasised that the workshop was organised pursuant to the provisions of Articles 14(1) and 15 of the Court’s Rules of Procedure of 2002, which assigned responsibility for the custody of documents and management of records to the Chief Registrar. He noted that the workshop seeks to provide staff with the knowledge, tools and practical skills necessary to effectively manage records throughout their lifecycle, including their creation, classification, storage, retrieval, preservation and disposal. He stressed that records constitute the institutional memory of the Court and are essential to maintaining credibility, transparency and accountability in the administration of justice.
The Chief Registrar further underscored that effective records management is indispensable to the Court’s mandate of upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights and promoting regional integration. He called on all departments to embrace a renewed culture of professionalism, compliance and institutional responsibility. He urged participants to view the workshop as the beginning of a new chapter in preserving the Court’s legacy and ensuring that future generations have access to a complete and accurate record of its operations.
Presenting the objectives and expected outcomes of the workshop, Mrs Marie Saine, acting Deputy Chief Registrar described the initiative as a significant step towards strengthening the institutional capacity of the Court through the effective implementation of the Records Management and Archives Policy. She highlighted the strategic importance of records management in promoting transparency, accountability, institutional memory and the preservation of the Court’s documentary heritage.
According to her, the workshop is designed to deepen staff understanding of the policy, translate its provisions into practical and actionable procedures, and equip personnel with the skills required to manage both physical and electronic records in accordance with international standards and best practices.
She noted that the workshop is expected to foster a common understanding of the policy and clarify the responsibilities of all staff in its implementation. It will also strengthen coordination mechanisms, promote collaboration among staff and support the development of an actionable roadmap for the policy’s effective operationalisation. In addition, she said that improved records management practices would enhance access to reliable information, support judicial and administrative processes, reduce operational risks and safeguard the institutional memory of the Court while reinforcing its commitment to good governance, transparency and excellence in the administration of justice.
The Court’s Archivist, Mrs Martine Kpoke-Ayissou in a presentation on the implementation framework of the policy, highlighted the strategic role of records and archives in supporting the Court’s judicial functions and preserving its institutional heritage. She said that the workshop would provide practical guidance on records management tools, retention schedules, transfer procedures, classification systems and departmental implementation strategies aimed at addressing longstanding challenges such as poor classification practices, duplication of records, inadequate storage management and difficulties in information retrieval.
Mrs Kpoke-Ayissou stressed that all records created or received in the course of official duties are the property of the Court and must be managed in accordance with established procedures to ensure accountability, traceability and continuity. Furthermore, effective records management is not merely an administrative exercise but a critical component of institutional governance ensuring that the Court’s judicial heritage and institutional memory are preserved for future generations.
The workshop scheduled for 1st – 5th June 2026 is expected to conclude with implementation strategies that will support the institutionalisation of a modern, efficient and sustainable records and archives management system.
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