The Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) Law School has renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Criminal Court (ICC) for another five years.

The historic renewal ceremony took place during the ongoing Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC.

Dr. Kwaku Agyeman-Budu, the Dean of the GIMPA Law School and Head of the African Centre for International Criminal Justice (ACICJ), signed on behalf of the institution.

Representing the ICC was its Registrar, Osvaldo Zavala Giler. Both leaders emphasised the critical importance of this partnership, noting their shared commitment to promoting international criminal law and ensuring justice for victims of crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide.

The initial MoU, signed in December 2019, was a groundbreaking achievement as it marked the first collaboration of its kind between the ICC and an African university. Over the past five years, this partnership has fostered a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing legal education, building capacity in international criminal law, and strengthening advocacy for justice across the African continent.

Dr. Agyeman-Budu expressed his gratitude for the ICC’s continued confidence in GIMPA’s capacity to lead efforts in international criminal justice on the continent. He highlighted the achievements of the ACICJ, which has become a centre of excellence in providing training and education to African law students, journalists, lawyers, and judges.

He described the renewal of the MoU as a testament to the shared vision of both institutions to uphold the rule of law and accountability globally, especially in Africa, where these ideals are needed the most.

The ACICJ’s impact has been far-reaching. In October 2024, the Centre hosted ICC Prosecutor Karim Asad Ahmad Khan during a three-day working visit to Ghana. During this time, the Prosecutor delivered a thought-provoking public lecture on "Democracy, Elections, and Impunity". The lecture sparked widespread discussions about the role of justice in ensuring free and fair elections and addressing impunity in governance.

The Centre’s efforts have not been limited to Ghana alone. Through a strategic partnership with Utrecht University in the Netherlands and the ICC, the ACICJ co-organises an annual Summer School programme on international criminal law.

This programme offers participants a unique opportunity to learn from some of the world’s leading experts in international justice while engaging with real-world legal challenges. The Summer School has attracted students, legal practitioners, and policymakers from across Africa, further solidifying GIMPA’s reputation as a regional leader in legal education.

Also, GIMPA Law School recently launched a Master of Laws (LL.M) programme in International Criminal Law and Justice. This programme is designed to equip students with specialised knowledge and practical skills to address complex issues of impunity, human rights violations, and accountability in Africa.

The LL.M programme reflects GIMPA’s commitment to developing the next generation of African legal professionals who will champion the cause of justice on the global stage.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, ICC Registrar Osvaldo Zavala Giler commended GIMPA and the ACICJ for their remarkable contributions to advancing international criminal justice. He underscored the importance of partnerships with African institutions, noting that such collaborations ensure the principles of justice and accountability resonate deeply across the continent.

The Registrar reiterated the ICC’s commitment to supporting GIMPA in its mission to foster legal excellence and build strong networks of professionals dedicated to upholding the rule of law.

The renewal of the MoU between GIMPA Law School and the ICC represents more than a continuation of their collaboration. It signifies a deepened resolve to tackle the challenges of international criminal justice head-on. By focusing on education, advocacy, and capacity-building, this partnership aims to create a future where justice prevails, impunity is addressed, and the principles of the Rome Statute are upheld not only in Africa but across the globe.

With the renewed partnership, GIMPA Law School is poised to expand its impact even further, strengthening Africa’s voice in international criminal justice and contributing meaningfully to the global effort to build a more just and equitable world.