The Republic of Ghana has officially endorsed Chief State Attorney Dr Sylvia Ama Adusu as its candidate for election to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026–2035 term, with Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine praising her “integrity, strategic insight and tireless commitment to fair, rules-based governance.”
In a formal statement accompanying her nomination, Dr Ayine said Dr Adusu’s extensive experience in international maritime law, state representation, and treaty negotiations made her exceptionally qualified to serve on the global tribunal.
“I extend to her my full and unreserved support,” the Attorney-General stated, adding that Ghana’s maritime history and commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) informed the decision to put forward her candidature.
He noted that Dr Adusu has played a key role in Ghana’s legal and diplomatic engagements on ocean governance, including maritime boundary negotiations and representation in international legal proceedings.
According to him, her work on the Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire maritime boundary dispute, as well as advisory roles in other international cases, demonstrates her capacity to contribute meaningfully to ITLOS.
The statement further highlighted that Dr Adusu’s nomination marks a historic milestone as she becomes the first Ghanaian woman to be presented for election to the tribunal. The Attorney-General said this reflects Ghana’s commitment to gender inclusion in international legal institutions.
Dr Adusu, a Chief State Attorney with over three decades of legal practice, currently heads the International Law Division at the Attorney-General’s Department. Her experience spans litigation before domestic and international courts, treaty advisory work, and participation in major global legal forums.
She has also served on the Ghana Boundary Commission, contributed to Ghana’s submissions on extended continental shelf claims, and participated in climate change advisory proceedings before the International Court of Justice.
Academically, she holds a PhD in International Law from the University of Lancaster, alongside other qualifications in international relations and law. She also lectures part-time at the University of Ghana School of Law and the Ghana School of Law.
The government says her blend of courtroom experience, diplomatic engagement, and academic expertise positions her as a strong candidate to strengthen ITLOS’s mandate in promoting peaceful ocean governance, sustainable marine resource management, and the rule of law at sea.
Her nomination has also received endorsement from the African Union, further strengthening her bid ahead of the 2026 ITLOS elections.
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