Ghana has put forward Dr. Sylvia Adusu as its candidate for a judgeship at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026-2035 term. The African Union has endorsed her nomination, presenting a highly experienced Ghanaian legal expert for election on June 18, 2026, during the 36th Meeting of States Parties to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Background and Expertise
Dr. Adusu recently retired as Chief State Attorney and Head of the International Division of Ghana’s Attorney-General’s Department. She brings over three decades of extensive experience in international law, diplomacy, and legal practice to her candidacy.
Her career has been marked by significant contributions to Ghana’s international legal engagements. She is widely respected for her deep knowledge of the law of the sea, international dispute resolution, and treaty negotiations.
This nomination is seen as a testament to her long-standing public service and her impact on the development of international law, both domestically and globally.
Key Contributions and Landmark Case
A pivotal moment in Dr. Adusu’s career was her involvement in Ghana’s significant maritime boundary delimitation case before ITLOS. This case, concerning the maritime boundaries between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire in the Atlantic Ocean, drew substantial international attention.
The dispute highlighted crucial issues of maritime governance, resource management, and regional stability. Dr. Adusu was a key member of Ghana’s legal team, contributing to the successful defense of the nation’s maritime interests.
The 2017 ruling, which largely favored Ghana’s position, was celebrated as a major victory for international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes through judicial means. The case is frequently cited as a model for African states in resolving international disputes.
Broader Impact and Representation
Beyond the boundary case, Dr. Adusu has provided counsel on numerous international law matters, including sovereign rights, treaty obligations, and multilateral cooperation. These experiences have established her as a leading authority in Africa on maritime and international legal affairs.
If elected, Dr. Adusu would achieve a historic milestone as the first African woman to serve as a Judge of ITLOS since its inception in 1996. This would be a significant achievement for Ghana, the African continent, and the international legal community.
Her potential election offers a valuable opportunity to bring African perspectives to the interpretation and application of international maritime law. This is particularly relevant at a time when global focus intensifies on ocean governance, marine environmental protection, sustainable resource management, and maritime security.
Official Confidence and Future Implications
The Government of Ghana has expressed strong confidence in Dr. Adusu’s qualifications. They believe she possesses the necessary judicial temperament, technical competence, and international experience to excel as a Judge at the Tribunal.
Dr. Adusu’s nomination underscores Ghana’s commitment to international law and its role in global maritime governance. Her potential election could significantly influence discussions and decisions on critical ocean-related issues in the coming years.
The upcoming elections in June 2026 will be closely watched as they could herald a new era of representation and diverse legal perspectives within the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.
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