Ghana Backs Dr Sylvia Ama Adusu for Historic ITLOS Judgeship at COSP19 in New York

Ghana has reaffirmed its full support for Dr Sylvia Ama Adusu’s bid to become the first African woman Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), as voting for the 2026–2035 term takes place today in New York.

The endorsement was made on the sidelines of the 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP19) by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey.

Meeting with Dr Adusu at the global forum, Dr Lartey expressed confidence in the candidate’s distinguished record in international law and described her potential election as both a proud achievement for Ghana and a historic milestone for Africa.

The Minister said Dr Adusu’s appointment to the Hamburg-based Tribunal would mark the first time an African woman serves on ITLOS, the court established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to adjudicate maritime disputes.

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection said it is backing Dr Adusu because of her proven expertise, integrity and commitment to justice.

Dr Lartey noted that these qualities make her an outstanding candidate for the esteemed position and expressed optimism that delegates at COSP19 and voting states would recognise the value she would bring to the Tribunal.

As the election proceeds, the Ministry extended its best wishes to Dr Adusu for success.

It reiterated Ghana’s commitment to advancing the representation of African women in key international institutions and said Dr Adusu’s elevation would strengthen the Tribunal’s diversity while upholding the rule of law at sea.

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