Ghana has formally nominated Chief State Attorney Dr Sylvia Ama Adusu to contest election to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026–2035 term.
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine endorsed her candidature, describing her as a person of “integrity, strategic insight, and unwavering dedication to fair, rules-based governance.”
In a statement announcing the nomination, Dr Ayine said Dr Adusu’s deep background in international maritime law, treaty negotiations, and representing the state makes her highly suited for the tribunal.
He gave her his “full and unreserved support,” noting that Ghana’s long maritime tradition and commitment to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) underpinned the decision to put her forward.
Dr Ayine pointed to Dr Adusu’s central role in Ghana’s ocean governance work, including maritime boundary talks and appearances in international legal cases.
He cited her involvement in the Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire maritime boundary dispute and her advisory work in other international matters as proof of her ability to contribute to ITLOS.
The Attorney-General added that her nomination is historic – she is the first Ghanaian woman proposed for a seat on the tribunal, underscoring Ghana’s push for gender representation in international legal bodies.
With over 30 years in legal practice, Dr Adusu heads the International Law Division at the Attorney-General’s Department. Her portfolio covers litigation in local and international courts, treaty advice, and participation in key global legal platforms.
She has served on the Ghana Boundary Commission, worked on Ghana’s extended continental shelf submissions, and taken part in climate change advisory proceedings at the International Court of Justice.
On the academic side, Dr Adusu earned a PhD in International Law from the University of Lancaster, with additional training in law and international relations. She also teaches part-time at the University of Ghana School of Law and the Ghana School of Law.
According to Government, her mix of litigation experience, diplomatic work, and academic grounding makes her well placed to advance ITLOS’s role in ensuring peaceful ocean governance, sustainable use of marine resources, and respect for the rule of law at sea.
Her bid has been backed by the African Union, boosting her chances ahead of the 2026 ITLOS elections.
Statement of the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice of the Republic of Ghana. Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine
The Republic of Ghana, with its rich maritime history and vast offshore resources has always upheld international law as the basis for its international relations.
As a state party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Ghana has always endeavoured to settle her maritime boundary disputes with its neighbours in a spirit of cooperation in complete fidelity to international law.
I am therefore pleased to announce the nomination of Dr. Sylvia Adusu for the 2026 elections to the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).
She is a lawyer of over thirty years standing with a remarkable career in government service and a reputation for fairness and integrity.
She has over the years provided invaluable legal advice to government on a wide range of subjects notably those related to the law of the sea matters.
As a member of the Ghana Boundary Commission, she has taken part in crucial negotiations between Ghana and neighbouring states on their maritime boundaries as well as promoted joint cooperation among the states in the region.
These experiences will no doubt stand Dr. Adusu in good stead to serve on the Tribunal.
This is also the first time a Ghanaian woman has been nominated as a candidate for elections to the ITLOS and I am confident that her nomination will bring to the Tribunal an opportunity to provide a gender perspective in international dispute settlement and could also provide inspiration for UNCLOS tribunals.
The Republic of Ghana takes this opportunity to affirm its unreserved support for the Tribunal by endorsing the candidature of Dr. Adusu for the 2026 election to the Tribunal
Source: www.kumasimail.com
