Former Deputy Attorney-General, Diana Asonaba Dapaah, has received the prestigious “Rising Star in Law” Award from the Institute for African Women in Law (IAWL) at an awards ceremony held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The ceremony, which took place on Saturday, 22nd November 2025, at the Marriott Hotel, Melrose Arch, in Johannesburg, brought together leading figures in law, policy, academia, and gender advocacy from across the African continent. Asonaba Dapaah was celebrated for her exceptional contribution to the legal profession, her commitment to justice, and her leadership in advancing gender equality.
In a letter dated 30 October 2025 from the Institute for African Women in Law (IAWL) to Ms Asonaba Dapaah announcing the award, the IAWL, on behalf of its board of directors, said they were delighted to congratulate Ms Dapaah on her selection as a recipient of the “Rising Star in Law Award.”
“This award recognises your remarkable contributions to law in Ghana and beyond, and your deep commitment to advancing gender equality at the national and continental levels.
“As the former Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice for Ghana, you were resolute in upholding the Ghanaian rule of law. Your work reflects the vision and values that IAWL promotes and preserves,” the letter signed by Professor Jarpa Dawuni, Founder and Executive Director of IAWL, read.
Citation of honour
At the ceremony, Ms Asonaba Dapaah was presented with a citation. It read as follows: “Diana Asonaba Dapaah, your transition from legal scholar to public servant reflects a mix of intellect, integrity, and a sense of purpose across generations.
“You have shaped Ghana’s legal landscape through your work in academia, judicial research, and human rights advocacy, bringing clarity, courage, and compassion to every role. Your accomplishments usher in a new era of justice: one that is principled, inclusive, and deeply rooted in service.”
Commendation
In his address delivered at the ceremony, Professor Jarpa Dawuni, Founder and Executive Director of IAWL, affirmed that Ms Dapaah’s work reflects the values the organisation seeks to promote: excellence, equity, and the advancement of women in law.
She noted that the award recognises not only Ms Dapaah’s achievements, but also her growing influence as a catalyst for legal and social transformation.
The award
The Rising Star in Law Award is one of IAWL’s flagship honours, reserved for outstanding early- to mid-career African women lawyers who demonstrate innovation, leadership, and a commitment to justice.
Ms Dapaah’s recognition places her among a distinguished group of young African jurists shaping the future of the continent’s legal landscape.
Her honour adds to Ghana’s rising prominence within Africa’s legal and governance circles and solidifies her standing as one of the country’s most promising legal minds.
The IAWL
Since its establishment in 2015, the Institute for African Women in Law (IAWL) has grown into a global organisation committed to using the law as a tool for positive societal change and development.
With a dynamic team of passionate individuals, IAWL fosters leadership, enhances potential, and builds opportunities for women in the legal profession.
The IAWL’s vision is “to build a network of legal professionals dedicated to using the law as a means for positive societal change and development and its mission is that the institute is committed to: enhancing potential, nurturing leadership, creating opportunities and building partnerships.
The Institute for African Women in Law essentially drives impact through strategic partnerships, coalition building, innovative programming, and knowledge production.
