Dr Sylvia Ama Adusu, a Ghanaian, was sworn into office as the first female African Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) on October 1 in Germany. She was elected for a term spanning 2026 to 2035. This significant appointment marks a milestone for Ghana and Africa, as Dr Adusu breaks new ground in her distinguished career.
Following her election, several dignitaries, including Ghana's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, extended congratulatory messages to Dr Adusu. Mr Ablakwa described her election as a "big win for Ghana," noting that she secured an impressive 130 votes from UN Member States. He commended the Foreign Ministry's Candidatures Bureau, staff of Ghana's New York mission, and other partners for their role in her successful election.
Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem Sai also expressed pride in Dr Adusu, referring to her as his cousin. He shared news of her election as a Judge at ITLOS, highlighting her achievement as the first woman from Africa, Ghana, and Aveme to hold the position. These sentiments were echoed by Deputy Ambassador of Ghana to the United States, Ben Dotsei Malor, who congratulated Dr Adusu on her historic appointment.
Dr Sylvia Ama Adusu boasts an extensive background in law, with over thirty years of experience at the Bar. Prior to her doctoral research in the Law of the Sea, she gained considerable experience in international law, civil litigation, criminal prosecution, and arbitrations. Her academic credentials include a PhD in Law from the University of Lancaster, United Kingdom, and an MPhil in International Relations from the University of Ghana.
Dr Adusu's professional experience includes serving as a Chief State Attorney in Ghana. She currently holds the position of Director of the International Division at the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice. In this role, she handles matters involving Ghana's international relations and coordinates the National Mechanism for Reporting and Follow-Ups to prepare Ghana's human rights reports to various UN bodies.
Beyond her work at the Office of the Attorney-General, Dr Adusu actively participates in several national multisectorial committees. These include the Ghana Boundary Commission, which negotiates the delimitation of Ghana's maritime boundaries with neighboring countries. She also co-chairs the Steering Committee on Business and Human Rights and coordinates Ghana's National Mechanism for Reporting and Follow-ups.
Dr Adusu has engaged in various professional development and training programs, including the Yeosu Academy of the Law of the Sea and a workshop on Witness Protection held in Accra. Her extensive training and experience equip her to serve effectively as a Judge at ITLOS, where she will contribute to the development and application of international law.
Key points
- Dr Sylvia Ama Adusu is the first female African Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).
- She was elected for a term spanning 2026 to 2035.
- Dr Adusu has over thirty years of experience at the Bar and a distinguished background in international law.
