Ghana’s Dr Sylvia Adusu Makes History as First African Woman Elected to ITLOS Bench

Dr Sylvia Ama Adusu, a Chief State Attorney of Ghana, has made history after being elected as a judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), becoming the first African woman to serve on the international judicial body.

The landmark achievement was announced by Ghana’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, which described her election as a significant milestone for Ghana, Africa, and women in international law.

According to the statement, Dr Adusu secured 130 of the 169 votes cast during the Thirty-Sixth Meeting of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), held on June 18, 2026, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Her vote tally comfortably exceeded the required two-thirds majority of 113 votes.

Before her election, Dr Adusu served as a Chief State Attorney and Head of International Law at Ghana’s Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice. Over the years, she has built an impressive legal career spanning more than three decades, earning recognition for her expertise in international law and public service.

Her nomination was backed by both Ghana and the African Union, making her the first Ghanaian woman to be nominated for election to the prestigious tribunal.

Legal experts and government officials have welcomed her election as a major breakthrough for African representation within international legal institutions. The achievement is also being celebrated as an important step toward greater gender diversity in global judicial bodies.

The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea is an independent judicial institution established under UNCLOS to adjudicate disputes related to maritime boundaries, marine resources, navigation rights, environmental protection, and other issues concerning the law of the sea.

Dr Adusu brings extensive experience to her new role. According to Ghana’s Permanent Mission to the UN, she has more than 30 years of legal practice covering international law, civil litigation, criminal prosecution, arbitration, and dispute resolution.

Her distinguished career has seen her contribute significantly to Ghana’s legal and diplomatic engagements, particularly in matters involving international legal frameworks and treaty obligations.

Observers say her election strengthens Africa’s voice within international legal governance while creating new opportunities for greater participation of African women in global leadership positions.

The achievement has also been hailed as a testament to Ghana’s growing influence within international institutions and its commitment to promoting qualified professionals on the global stage.

Dr Adusu’s election is expected to inspire future generations of African legal professionals, particularly women seeking leadership roles in international law and diplomacy.

As she prepares to take up her new position, many across Ghana and the African continent view her success as a historic moment that reflects both personal excellence and broader progress toward representation and inclusion in global governance.

Source: Ghana’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations