Ghanaian Papal Knight, Jurist celebrated for scholarly works

Source: catholictrends

A Papal Knight and a Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana, who is also a Judge of the African Court of Human and Peoples’ Rights based in Arusha Tanzania, Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei has been applauded for his intellectual brilliance, as well as his continuous and impactful scholarly works that span varied areas of law and which have both domestic and international appeal.

At the official launch of Justice Adjei’s latest book on International Human and Peoples’ Rights, Law and Practice, at the Auditorium of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS) in Accra, the Chairman for the occasion, who is a former Speaker of Parliament; Right Hon. Rev. Prof. Mike Aaron Oquaye, praised the Eminent Ghanaian Jurist for his constant commitment to keeping his professional publications current and relevant to the needs of the ever-evolving global legal landscape.

…the writer is a distinguished scholar and voluminous writer of scholastic guidance. And one thing that he continues to do is, making his publications current. Sometimes it is difficult to read a law book, because you find that an authority cited has been overruled by a recent case. So, Sir, I really appreciate your keen interest in characterizing your works” Prof. Oquaye echoed.

The monumental 968-page new scholarly work of the renowned Judge has 20 Chapters, covering the diverse and complex nature of human rights law.

Reviewing the book titled: International Human and Peoples’ Rights, Law and Practice, Lawyer and Journalist Samson Lardi Ayenini, described its structure as not merely academic, but strategic, because it allows readers to navigate the ‘global human rights landscape with precision and comparative insight.” And therefore, recommended it as a civic resource.

“My Lord’s book is more than a legal text; it is a civic resource. It is designed to serve judges, commissioners, lecturers, students, NGOs, and civil society actors. It is also a tool for public education and policy reform. As someone deeply invested in legal literacy and governance reform, I find this book to be a strategic ally.

“It fills a critical gap in Ghanaian and African civic education, and it offers a global lens that is both rigorous and relatable.”

The President of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights Justice Imani D. Aboud confirms in the Foreword of his colleague Justice Dennis Adjei’s book, that the scholarly work “… delivers a panoramic view of the human rights architecture, leaving no stone unturned.”

Justice Aboud added “One of the book’s greatest strengths is its integration of jurisprudence from international and regional courts”. “Justice Adjei has produced a masterpiece which has meticulously interwoven legal instruments and jurisprudence of international tribunals…”

Addressing the gathering of legal luminaries, learners and stakeholders at his book launch, the learned Justice of the apex Court of Ghana said his motivation for writing on International Human and Peoples’ Rights, Law and Practice, stems from a number of reasons, including his global judicial experience; having served on the International Criminal Court (ICC) Advisory Committee, and as a member of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

“Every year, the three international courts; the African Court, Inter-American Court and European Court meet. This year, we are meeting… in Tanzania. So, I take advantage. And at the ICC, I served on the Advisory Committee. Whenever I was there, I visited the courtroom. I looked at the rules, and saw that I have rights for people to publish it,” Justice Adjei said.

According to the author, another reason for writing the book is that publications on the subject are rarely seen in the libraries and bookshops aside from “… literature on the African Courts, the African Commission, the Inter-American Courts and Commission, and the European Courts on Human Rights. Then you see literature on the International Criminal Court of Justice…”

His textbook therefore, seeks to “aggregate all relevant treaties and bodies… and the remedies available to redress human rights violations.”

The Chairman for the occasion also introduced three authoritative revised editions of the author’s works; Modern Approach to the Law of Interpretation in Ghana- 4th Edition, Alternative Dispute Resolution- A Ghanaian Perspective- 2nd Edition, co-authored with Justice (Rtd.) Barbara Ackah-Yensu (JSC), and Essential Laws on Credit Creation and Registration of Security Interests.

The event was graced by renowned lawyer and Paramount Chief of Asokore Asante; Nana Dr. Samuel Kwadwo Boaten (S.K.B.) Asante, who is also a former President of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, as well as Rev Fr. Andrew Campbell (SVD), a friend of the author. Also present were Judges, other Judicial Officers and Law students.

About the Author

Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei is a Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences and has several publications to his credit including the following textbooks; Criminal Procedure and Practice in Ghana; Constitutional Law of Ghana, Evolution, Theory and Practice; Land Law, Practice and Conveyancing in Ghana; Contemporary Criminal Law In Ghana.

He has served and continues to serve the Catholic Church in various capacities; earning him a papal award in 2005, when he was Knighted by the Holy Father; Pope Benedict XVI, to the Order of St. Gregory the Great.

As a devout member of the Catholic society of The Knights of St. John International (KSJI), Sir Knight Adjei has served and held various leadership positions at the local Commandery, Grand Commandery and Supreme Subordinate Levels of the Order.

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