Leading the Future of Law: Celebrating WELLA Ghana 2026 and Its Stellar Faculty

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A look back at three transformative days in Accra and the extraordinary legal minds who empowered our inaugural cohort, powered by Clifford Chance, London and AB & David, Ghana.

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From September 21–23, 2026, the Institute for African Women in Law (IAWL) convened the inaugural Women’s Excellence in Law and Leadership Academy (WELLA) Ghana Fellowship at AB & David in Accra. Centered on the theme Excellence in Law and Leadership: Diplomacy, Technology & Mediation in a Global Order, the workshop brought together early- and mid-career lawyers for three days of rigorous masterclasses, practical skill-building, and high-level dialogue.

At the heart of this transformative experience was an exceptional faculty of leading jurists, managing partners, seasoned diplomats, and legal innovators. Here is a spotlight on the legal trailblazers who shared their wisdom, shaped our discussions, and inspired the next generation of African legal leaders.

Day 1: Decolonization, Global Practice & Diplomacy

The fellowship opened with powerful provocations on identity, legal frameworks, and Africa’s position in global governance.

Prof. J. Jarpa Dawuni (Founder & Executive Director, IAWL) set an inspiring tone with her opening keynote, Decolonizing, Deconstructing and Degendering the Law, challenging fellows to dismantle colonial inheritances and gender biases within legal institutions.
Ms. Elizabeth Adu (Former World Bank Director) and Dr. David Ofosu-Dorte (Executive Chairman, AB & David Africa), alongside moderator Ms. Pauline Anaman (Associate, AB & David Ghana), led an AmandlaClass on Global and International Law Practice, detailing pathways into multilateral institutions, cross-border advisory, and continental practice.
Ambassador (rtd.) Anna Bossman (former Ghanaian Ambassador to France, Portugal & UNESCO) joined moderator Ms. Angela Gyasi (Partner, Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah) for a high-impact session on International Law and Diplomacy, reflecting on her distinguished career spanning CHRAJ, the African Development Bank, and international diplomacy.

Mrs. Akosua Mark-Okai closed the day with a vital session on Wellness and Leadership for Women in Law, providing practical frameworks for burnout prevention, mental health, and navigating workplace protections.

Day 2: AI, Strategic Leadership & Career Pivots

Day 2 shifted focus toward tech innovation, executive presence, and institutional leadership.

Dr. Edem Okudzeto (Sam Okudzeto & Associates) and Ms. Jasmine Agyekum (Clifford Chance) facilitated an essential training on AI, Technology and Cybersecurity Law, guiding participants through data privacy regulations, AI governance across African jurisdictions, and practical legal tech integration.

Managing Partners Panel: Industry leaders Ms. Isabel Boaten (AB & David), Mrs. Victoria Barth (Sam Okudzeto & Associates), Ms. Amina Kaguah (ENS Ghana), and Mr. Seth Asante (Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah), moderated by Ms. NanaAma Botchway (N. Dowuona & Company), offered candid, insider guidance on partnership track decisions, performance visibility, and what law firm leaders expect from rising talent.
Ms. Adelaide Benneh Prempeh (Managing Partner, B&P Associates) led an interactive workshop on Personal Brand and Thought Leadership, showing participants how to ethically build public credibility, authority, and thought leadership under professional conduct rules.
The WELLA Fellowship featured a dedicated panel discussion titled "Pivot Session: Career Changes," focused on strategic career transitions, navigating non-linear legal paths, and expanding leadership impact across the bench, diplomacy, corporate practice, and public policy. The discussions were led by Her Ladyship Justice Jennifer Dadzie (Court of Appeal, Ghana), Ambassador Sena Siaw-Boateng (Former Ghana Ambassador to Belgium), Ms. Diana Dapaah (Former Deputy AG and Minister for Justice, Partner, Sam Okudzeto and Associates), and skillfully moderated by Ms. Patricia Mumuni (Partner, ENS Ghana).

Day 3: ADR, Negotiation Mastery & The Road Ahead

The final day equipped fellows with core dispute resolution tools before charting the ongoing fellowship journey.

Ms. Nania Owusu-Ankomah Sackey (Partner, Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah; Vice President, LCIA Court), Alexis Foucard (Clifford Chance), and Ms.Tosin Murana (Clifford Chance) delivered a comprehensive session on Mediation and ADR in African Contexts, contextualizing alternative dispute resolution across diverse legal frameworks.
Ms. Esine Okudzeto (Partner, Sam Okudzeto & Associates) and Ms. Jennifer Danso (Clifford Chance) conducted a hands-on workshop on Negotiation Skills for Women in Law, leading practical role-plays on fee negotiations, settlement tactics, and overcoming systemic negotiation barriers.
Prof. J. Jarpa Dawuni (Founder & Executive Director, IAWL) concluded the workshop alongside IAWL leadership, hosting a book talk on African Women in Law and formally launching the six-month hybrid fellowship and five-year mentorship journey.

What's Next for WELLA?

While the in-person training in Accra has concluded, the WELLA Ghana journey is just beginning. Over the next six months, the cohort will engage in virtual AmandlaClasses, one-on-one coaching, and pro bono legal initiatives to advance gender justice and institutional reform across Africa.

Up next: WELLA South Africa, taking place in Johannesburg from December 9–11, 2026, hosted at ENS, Johannesburg. Stay tuned as we continue building an unstoppable network of African women leaders in law!