Ghana’s Dr. Sylvia Ama Adusu seeks historic election to ITLOS bench
Ghana Pushes for Landmark International Judicial Appointment
Ghana is intensifying diplomatic efforts to secure the election of Dr. Sylvia Ama Adusu as a Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea for the 2026–2035 term. The election, scheduled for June 18, 2026, presents an opportunity for Ghana to make history on the global legal stage. If successful, Dr. Adusu would become the first African woman ever elected to the Hamburg-based tribunal, a significant milestone for both Ghana and the African continent. Established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, ITLOS plays a critical role in resolving maritime disputes and ensuring the peaceful and lawful use of the world’s oceans
Continental Backing Strengthens Her Bid
Dr. Adusu’s candidacy has received the endorsement of the African Union, demonstrating strong continental confidence in her qualifications and experience. The endorsement reflects Africa’s broader aspiration to enhance its representation within key international judicial institutions. Her election would not only elevate Ghana’s profile in international law but also advance efforts to improve gender balance and regional representation within global governance structures.
A Distinguished Career in International Law
Dr. Adusu currently serves as Chief State Attorney and Director of the International Law Division at Ghana’s Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice. With more than three decades of legal practice, she has built a reputation as one of Ghana’s leading experts in international law and maritime affairs. Her areas of expertise include maritime law, international arbitration, human rights, dispute resolution, and public international law. Throughout her career, she has represented Ghana in several complex legal matters at both domestic and international levels.
Academic Excellence and Specialized Expertise
A highly accomplished scholar, Dr. Adusu holds a PhD in International Law from Lancaster University, where she specialized in the Law of the Sea. Her academic credentials are complemented by qualifications in law and international relations, providing a strong foundation for her work in international legal affairs. Beyond her government responsibilities, she contributes to legal education as a part-time lecturer at the University of Ghana School of Law and the Ghana School of Law, helping to train the next generation of legal professionals.
Key Role in Major International Maritime Cases
Dr. Adusu has been at the forefront of some of Ghana’s most significant international legal cases. She served as co-counsel for Ghana in the landmark maritime boundary dispute between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire before ITLOS, a case that helped clarify maritime boundaries in the Gulf of Guinea.
She was also a member of Ghana’s legal team in the notable ARA Libertad case involving Argentina and Ghana. These experiences have provided her with first-hand insight into the Tribunal’s procedures and the complexities of international maritime litigation.
Advancing Ghana’s Maritime Interests
In addition to her litigation work, Dr. Adusu serves on the Ghana Boundary Commission, where she has played an important role in negotiations concerning Ghana’s maritime boundaries and submissions relating to the country’s extended continental shelf claims. Her work has contributed to safeguarding Ghana’s maritime interests and supporting the effective management of the nation’s ocean resources.
Commitment to Justice and Impartiality
In her campaign statement, Dr. Adusu emphasized the importance of ITLOS in maintaining peace and stability in the maritime domain. She pledged to uphold the highest standards of justice, integrity, fairness, and impartiality if entrusted with a seat on the Tribunal. Her vision aligns with the Tribunal’s mandate of promoting the peaceful settlement of disputes and ensuring respect for international maritime law.
Strong Endorsement from Ghana’s Attorney-General
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has strongly backed her candidature, describing her as a lawyer of exceptional competence, integrity, and fairness. According to Dr. Ayine, her extensive experience in maritime law and international dispute settlement would make her a valuable addition to the Tribunal and enhance its capacity to address complex legal issues relating to the oceans.
A Historic Opportunity for Africa
As the June 18 election approaches, observers across Africa are closely watching the outcome. Dr. Adusu’s election would represent a landmark achievement for Ghana and the continent, breaking a significant gender barrier within one of the world’s leading international judicial institutions.
Beyond the personal accomplishment, her success would symbolize growing African participation in global decision-making and reinforce the importance of diversity and inclusion in international justice. For Ghana, the bid represents not only a quest for representation but also recognition of the country’s longstanding contribution to the development of international maritime law and peaceful dispute resolution.
