Ghana’s Dr Sylvia Ama Adusu elected first African woman ITLOS judge 

Dr Sylvia Ama Adusu, newly elected judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea

Ghana has recorded a significant milestone at the United Nations with the election of Dr Sylvia Ama Adusu as a judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).

Her election is being described as historic, making her the first African woman to serve on the tribunal for the 2026–2035 term.

The announcement was shared in a social media post by Ghana’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ben Dotse Malor, on Thursday, June 18.

“BREAKING: The UN has just elected Dr Sylvia Ama Adusu to become the first African woman to serve as a Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), for the term 2026–2035,” the post read in part.

Mr. Malor described the development as a proud moment for Ghana and Africa.

He congratulated Dr Adusu on her election, noting the significance of the achievement in global legal and diplomatic circles.

“MANY CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS DISTINGUISHED GHANAIAN. Well done, Dr Adusu. Well done to Ghana and Africa,” he added.

Dr Adusu’s election is expected to enhance Africa’s representation in international maritime governance and legal adjudication.

The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea is responsible for resolving disputes arising from the interpretation and application of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Brief profile of Dr Sylvia Ama Adusu:
Until her election, Dr Sylvia Ama Adusu is a Chief State Attorney of Ghana with over three decades of legal practice at the Bar. She has extensive experience in international law, civil litigation, criminal prosecution, and arbitration.

She holds a PhD in Law (International Law of the Sea) from the University of Lancaster, United Kingdom, where she conducted research between 2015 and 2020.

She also obtained an MPhil in International Relations from the Legon Centre for International Affairs, University of Ghana, with a focus on international law.

Her academic background includes a Postgraduate Diploma in International Law and Sustainable Development from the Institute of Social Studies in The Hague, Netherlands, a Qualifying Certificate in Law from the Ghana School of Law, and a BA (Hons) in Law and Sociology from the University of Ghana.