Ghana's Dr Adusu Makes History as First Female African Judge on International Tribunal

A significant milestone for Ghana and the African continent has been achieved with the swearing-in of Dr Adusu, a prominent Ghanaian legal professional, as the first female African judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). This historic appointment marks a watershed moment in both African representation and gender equality within one of the world's most important maritime judicial institutions.

Dr Adusu will serve a ten-year term spanning 2026 to 2035, following her election to the position. Her appointment is particularly noteworthy given that ITLOS handles disputes over ocean governance, shipping rights, fishing access, and marine resource exploitation—matters of substantial importance to coastal African nations like Ghana.

Why It Matters for Ghana

Ghana, as a maritime nation with significant fishing and oil and gas sectors, has a direct stake in how ITLOS interprets and applies international maritime law. The presence of a Ghanaian judge on the tribunal ensures that West African and broader African perspectives will be represented during deliberations on cases affecting ocean rights, territorial waters, and marine resource management. This is especially valuable given that many developing African countries have historically had limited influence in global maritime governance structures.

The appointment also reflects Ghana's standing within the international legal community and demonstrates the country's capacity to produce world-class legal minds capable of operating at the highest levels of global institutions. Dr Adusu's elevation opens doors for greater African participation in shaping international law on issues that profoundly affect the continent's economic future.

Breaking Barriers on Two Fronts

Dr Adusu's historic appointment addresses a long-standing gender imbalance within ITLOS, which has historically been dominated by male judges. Her position as the first female African judge is a significant step towards inclusive representation in international maritime justice. Beyond gender, her selection demonstrates a commitment to diversifying ITLOS's bench with perspectives from the Global South, where many developing nations depend heavily on ocean resources for food security and economic growth.

The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea operates under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), one of the most widely ratified international treaties. It settles disputes between nations regarding ocean boundaries, fishing rights, and the use of marine resources. As pressure mounts globally over climate change impacts on oceans, deep-sea mining, and fisheries depletion, the tribunal's decisions will increasingly influence how African nations can utilise and protect their maritime zones.

What Lies Ahead

Over the next decade, Dr Adusu will likely encounter cases directly relevant to Ghana and other African nations. Potential disputes could involve overfishing in West African waters, maritime boundary disagreements, or conflicts over deep-sea mining rights in areas of African interest. Her judicial background and understanding of the region's needs position her to contribute meaningfully to decisions that balance environmental protection, resource access, and equitable development.

This appointment also sends a signal to young African women interested in law and international governance that pathways to global leadership exist. As Ghana continues to position itself as a hub for continental and international affairs, appointments like Dr Adusu's reinforce the country's soft power and influence on the global stage.