Gifty Dery, the first runner-up of Miss Kakube 2024, exemplified the spirit of community service and youth empowerment by donating essential learning materials to twenty underprivileged students in the Nandom Traditional Area. The donation, which included twelve school uniforms, sixty exercise books, and two mathematics sets, was a testament to Ms. Dery’s commitment to improving the lives of young people in her community. The ceremony, held at St. Andrews Junior High School in Nandom on April 11, 2025, was attended by prominent figures from the Nandom Traditional Area, including the Paramount Queen Mother and Queen Mothers from Ko, Goziiri, and Dabagteng. The presence of these community leaders underscored the significance of Ms. Dery’s initiative and its impact on the local community. The joy and appreciation on the faces of the students, especially those who received brand new uniforms, served as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of education and the importance of supporting those in need.
The donation ceremony wasn’t solely about the provision of learning materials; it was also a platform for community leaders to show their support for Ms. Dery’s philanthropic endeavors. Touched by her generosity, the Queen Mother of Dabagteng pledged two additional school uniforms, extending the reach of Ms. Dery’s initial contribution. This spontaneous act of solidarity highlighted the ripple effect of individual acts of kindness and their potential to inspire collective action for the betterment of the community. The ceremony also attracted other prominent figures, including the Nandom branch manager of the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), the Director of Zebra Orphanage, and the Assembly Member for the Nandom West Electoral Area, demonstrating the broad community support for Ms. Dery’s initiative. Both the orphanage director and the assemblyman presented undisclosed cash donations to Ms. Dery, further bolstering her efforts to support the education of underprivileged children. Hon. Callistus Kog also made an undisclosed cash contribution, recognizing and encouraging Ms. Dery’s commitment to community service.
What made Ms. Dery’s act of generosity particularly noteworthy was the fact that she single-handedly funded the entire donation. This act of selflessness highlighted her dedication to her community and her belief in the power of individual action to effect positive change. It demonstrated that one doesn’t need significant financial backing to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Her commitment to education served as an inspiration, particularly for the youth of Nandom, proving that even small contributions can have a profound impact. The story of Ms. Dery’s donation serves as a powerful example of how personal commitment and dedication can translate into tangible benefits for the community.
Beyond her philanthropic work, Ms. Dery is a recognized artist in the Nandom Traditional Area. Her artistic talents have earned her accolades, including the Best Music Artiste award at the 2024 Lawra Kobine Festival and the Best Artiste title at the Nandom Kakube Music Awards in the same year. She also led the Domange Bewaa Troupe to victory at the Kakube Festival, showcasing her leadership qualities and influence within the cultural sphere. These achievements, coupled with her philanthropic work, paint a picture of a well-rounded individual dedicated to using her talents and platform to uplift her community. Her multifaceted contributions highlight the positive impact individuals can have when they channel their passion and skills towards both artistic expression and community development.
Ms. Dery’s journey began in 2017 when she was discovered by her manager, Mr. Daaro Jacob. Since then, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to serving as a positive role model, particularly for young girls in the Nandom Traditional Area. Her actions speak louder than words, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve personal success while simultaneously giving back to one’s community. She embodies the spirit of empowerment and encourages other young people to actively participate in community development, proving that age is not a barrier to making a significant contribution to society. Ms. Dery’s story is an inspiration to young people, demonstrating that they too can be agents of change and contribute positively to their communities.
The Kakube Festival, celebrated annually on the last weekend of November, is a significant cultural event for the people of Nandom. It symbolizes unity, cultural richness, and the spirit of togetherness. Ms. Dery’s timely donation, coinciding with this period of renewal and celebration, further enriched the meaning of the festival. Her act of giving added a new layer of significance to the festival’s spirit of sharing and community support, reinforcing the importance of giving back and supporting those in need. Her generosity resonated deeply within the community, demonstrating how individual actions can amplify the spirit of a cultural event and inspire others to contribute to the collective well-being. The Kakube Festival, therefore, became a backdrop for celebrating not just cultural heritage, but also the spirit of philanthropy and community empowerment as embodied by Ms. Dery.
