Renowned Ghanaian lawyer Tsatsu Tsikata has revealed why his early ambition to become a judge never materialised, citing a shift in focus toward using the law as a tool for national development.
Speaking in an interview, Mr Tsikata disclosed that although he once envisioned a future on the bench, his interest in the judiciary waned as his career evolved. He explained that his perspective on the role of law changed significantly in adulthood, moving beyond courtroom adjudication.
According to him, his work with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation marked a turning point, exposing him to the strategic importance of legal expertise in managing Ghana’s natural resources. He said this experience inspired a broader mission to help the country harness its oil, gas, and extractive sectors for national benefit.
Mr Tsikata noted that rather than focusing on resolving individual legal disputes, he became increasingly driven to develop legal frameworks that could unlock economic opportunities and support national growth.
He added that this passion for resource governance ultimately distanced him from any lingering desire to join the judiciary, concluding that he “lost that track a long time ago.”