Former Deputy A-G honoured with Rising Star in Law Award

The legal fraternity has received another boost on the continental stage following the recognition of former Deputy Attorney-General, Diana Asonaba Dapaah, who was honoured with the Rising Star in Law Award at the 2025 Institute for African Women in Law (IAWL) Awards in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The ceremony, held on Saturday, 22nd November 2025, at the Marriott Hotel in Melrose Arch, brought together a distinguished assembly of legal scholars, governance experts, gender advocates, and policy influencers from across Africa.

This year’s awards highlighted exceptional women who have demonstrated leadership, resilience, and transformational impact within the legal space.

Diana Asonaba Dapaah, who served as Ghana’s Deputy Attorney-General between 2021 and 2025, earned the award for her remarkable contributions to legal reform, commitment to justice delivery, and her consistent advocacy for gender equity in governance.

She currently teaches law at the GIMPA Law Faculty.

During her time in office as deputy Attorney General, she was widely acknowledged for her principled approach to public service and her role in strengthening Ghana’s justice sector.

The IAWL, in its citation, described her as “an emerging force in African legal leadership”, commending her for the integrity, professionalism, and innovation she brought to her work both in Ghana and in international engagements.

Her efforts in advancing access to justice, particularly for women and vulnerable groups, were highlighted as defining elements of her rising influence.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Jarpa Dawuni, Founder and Executive Director of IAWL, stated that Diana Dapaah’s professional journey is a reflection of the values the organisation holds dear—excellence, equity, and the empowerment of women in the legal profession.

She noted that the award celebrates not only Dapaah’s achievements but also her expanding role as a transformative figure shaping legal discourse on the continent.