The Department of Political Science at the University for Development Studies (UDS) recently concluded its national competition on international trade law, policy, and regulatory governance.

The event, themed “International Trade and the Rule of Law: Sine Vincti Sumus (Whether We Are Bound),” brought together emerging scholars to examine the legal, political, and regulatory foundations of global commerce at a time when nations face growing pressure to balance sovereignty with international obligations.

A distinguished panel of judges oversaw the competition, including three external experts: Gideon Uade (LL.M., Illinois), Kayode Atoye (LL.M., Illinois; Fellow, ISDS Japan), and Kayode Oke (LL.M., Illinois). Their expertise in international trade policy, regulatory coherence, and dispute settlement added significant intellectual depth to the proceedings.

Following several rounds of policy briefs and legal analyses, the judges announced the top three winners:

1. First place: Fawaz Abdul Fataw
2. Second place: Samuel Bakono
3. Third place: Ntiwin Emmanuel

The panel commended the finalists for their ability to navigate complex issues such as treaty obligations, regulatory alignment, and the evolving architecture of global trade governance. Participants demonstrated strong analytical skills in assessing whether states remain bound by trade rules amid shifting geopolitical and economic pressures.

Organisers noted that the competition reflects the Political Science Department’s commitment to enhancing Ghana’s capacity in international trade policy, regulatory analysis, and global economic diplomacy.

They emphasised that equipping students with these competencies is vital for national development and for Ghana’s effective participation in regional and multilateral trade systems.