The Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) has launched the maiden edition of the African Journal of International Criminal Justice (AJICJ), a flagship publication aimed at deepening research, scholarship, and discourse on international criminal law and justice across the African continent.
The launch, held at the Dr Daniel McKorley Moot Courtroom, GIMPA Law School, on Thursday, 30 October 2025, brought together eminent jurists, academics, legal practitioners, and students to celebrate what was described as a significant milestone in GIMPA’s contribution to legal education and research in Africa.
Commitment
Welcoming guests to the event, the Dean of the GIMPA Faculty of Law, Mr Kwaku Agyeman-Budu, said the journal embodies the institution’s enduring commitment to advancing scholarship in international criminal law and promoting justice and accountability in Africa.
“It is a great pleasure to welcome you all to the launch of the maiden edition of the African Journal of International Criminal Justice, the flagship publication of the African Centre of International Criminal Justice (ACICJ) at GIMPA Law School. This occasion marks a significant milestone in our journey to promote International Criminal Law and justice in Africa,” he said.
Established in 2017, the African Centre of International Criminal Justice (ACICJ) serves as a research and advocacy hub dedicated to disseminating knowledge about the work and role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and promoting the principles of international criminal law on the continent. Since its inception, the Centre has led several initiatives aimed at enhancing understanding of international criminal law, capacity building, and fostering collaboration between academia and legal practitioners.
Continuation of mission
Mr Agyeman-Budu noted that the launch of the AJICJ represents a continuation of this mission, providing a credible platform for scholars, practitioners, and students to share insights and engage in discussions on critical justice issues affecting Africa.
“The journal is a testament to our commitment to excellence and our role in shaping the discourse on international criminal justice. It provides a platform for scholars and practitioners to engage with international criminal law and justice issues affecting Africa and to share their research and insights with a wider audience,” he added.
The Dean commended the students of the Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Criminal Law and Justice programme at GIMPA, who played an instrumental role in producing the publication.
“With this journal forming part of their LLM project, I must congratulate them for their dedication and hard work. If the event isn’t successful, they probably won’t graduate, so let’s help them graduate,” he said.
Mr Agyeman-Budu further expressed delight that the keynote address was being delivered on behalf of the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana, whom he described as “a champion of justice and the rule of law in Ghana and beyond.” He also thanked the Deputy Rector of GIMPA for graciously chairing the event, as well as all guests and dignitaries for their support.
Commendation
The Acting Chief Justice of Ghana, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, commended the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) for its ongoing efforts in advancing legal scholarship and fostering dialogue on international criminal law across Africa.
This commendation was contained in a speech delivered on his behalf by Justice Hafisata Amaleboba of the Supreme Court of Ghana.
She highlighted Ghana’s longstanding commitment to the rule of law, human rights, and justice both regionally and internationally, noting that these principles continue to guide the country’s legal and judicial philosophy.
“Viewed through the eyes of Ghana, a nation that has long championed the rule of law, human rights, and justice on both regional and international stages, we must recognise the vital role that scholarship plays in shaping effective and credible criminal justice systems that respond to the complexities of our continent,” she stated.
She described the launch of the African Journal of International Criminal Justice as a “contextually relevant academic platform” dedicated to fostering rigorous scholarship and thoughtful dialogue on international criminal law in Africa.
According to her, the theme of the launch, “recognising the relationship between legal scholarship and criminal justice”, was both timely and significant, as it underscores the symbiotic relationship between academia and practice in the pursuit of justice.
“As practitioners, scholars, policymakers, and students, we appreciate profoundly that the foundation of any robust criminal justice system rests not merely on adjudication and enforcement alone, but also on critical and reflective scholarship,” she emphasised.
Foundation
Justice Amaleboba noted that legal scholarship forms the intellectual foundation necessary for refining laws, challenging injustices, and crafting innovative frameworks that respond to the evolving challenges of modern societies.
“In the realm of international criminal law, where complex and grave crimes such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression demand principled interpretation and analysis, scholarship becomes indispensable,” she added.
She acknowledged that Africa’s engagement with international criminal justice has been marked by both promise and controversy, emphasising that African scholars have a critical role in bridging the gap between aspirational legal ideals and the realities of justice on the continent.
“Through research, discourse, and publication, platforms such as this journal amplify African perspectives and experiences that are often underrepresented,” she said.
