Drive to inspire Africa Champions Youth Empowerment at 2024 Impact Report and Fundraiser

Ernesto’s Country Club in Trasacco Estate came alive with energy and purpose as Drive to Inspire Africa (DTI-A) hosted its annual "Empowering Futures: 2024 Impact Report and Fundraiser."

The event, which attracted a distinguished audience of supporters and stakeholders, celebrated the organisation’s far-reaching efforts in mentorship, education, and youth empowerment.

The evening commenced with a solemn invocation by Reverend Father Akesseh of Christ the King Parish, setting the tone for an event defined by reflection and ambition. In her opening remarks, Ms. Mansa Williams, Director of the DTI-A Board, captured the essence of the organisation’s mission, describing it as a movement of "visionaries, change-makers, and generous hearts" dedicated to shaping the future of African youth.

A compelling video presentation highlighted the organisation’s milestones over the past year, underscoring its commitment to building a generation of confident and capable leaders. In 2024 alone, DTI-A reached more than 11,000 students across Ghana, with impactful outreach programmes in the Eastern, Central, Volta, and Greater Accra regions.

One of its standout initiatives was a collaboration with the Nneka Youth Foundation in the Volta Region, which saw 1,500 students benefit from the World Changes Summer Camp. Additionally, since January 2025, DTI-A has extended its reach to university students, launching a partnership with the University of Ghana SRC.

Beyond students, the organisation has engaged guidance and counselling personnel from the Ghana Education Service, ensuring a holistic approach to mentorship and educational support. Testimonials from beneficiaries spoke volumes, with young girls finding confidence and scholarship recipients overcoming financial barriers to pursue their dreams.

A key highlight of the evening was the recognition of DTI-A’s dedicated volunteers, who have played an instrumental role in the organisation’s success. Founder Nana Adjoa Hackman, whose vision and relentless commitment have propelled DTI-A’s growth, underscored the collective effort required to drive change.

"It takes a community," she emphasised, acknowledging the role of volunteers in bringing the organisation’s mission to life. Among those celebrated were Ansabea Addae Anomh, Elvis Crystal, Prince Amorin, Ivy Obeng, Barry Musa, and many others, all of whom were commended for their unwavering dedication.

Transparency and accountability were also central to the event, with Mr. Kwame Sarpong Barnieh, a partner at KPMG, presenting the Accountability Partner’s report. He praised DTI-A’s vision and reaffirmed KPMG’s role in ensuring regulatory compliance, financial oversight, and the integrity of the scholarship programme.

The emotional peak of the evening came with the awarding of scholarships to the "Select 17"—a group of outstanding students chosen for their academic excellence, leadership, community service, financial need, and moral character. Mrs. Mercy Boampong, CEO of Serene Insurance Limited and chairperson of the scholarship committee, detailed the rigorous selection process, reinforcing DTI-A’s commitment to meritocracy.

Representatives from Cyprus Energy, Devtraco Group, Serene Insurance, GH Express Transport Services, Golden Coast Developers, Nguvu Mining, St. Michael’s Specialist Hospital, Trasacco Group, and Africa Legal Associates (ALP Ghana) joined in presenting laptops and scholarships to the recipients, who hailed from institutions such as Oguaa Senior High Technical School, Ebenezer Senior High School, Achimota Senior High School, and Okuapeman Senior High School.

As the evening drew to a close, attendees were encouraged to support DTI-A through sponsorships, volunteering, and partnerships, with a goal to expand the scholarship programme further in 2025.

Looking ahead, DTI-A is poised to launch its next three-month mentorship programme for girls aged 18-25, commencing on March 1, 2025. With 174 mentees and 174 mentors from eight African countries, this initiative promises to be another leap forward in the organisation’s mission to empower the next generation of African leaders.

With a firm foundation of mentorship, education, and personal development, Drive to Inspire Africa continues to transform lives, ignite change, and shape the future of the continent—one young mind at a time.