DTI-A scholarships lift vulnerable young women into university, says Founder Nana Adjoa Hackman

The Founder of Drive to Inspire – Africa (DTI-A), Nana Adjoa Hackman, has highlighted the organisation’s growing impact in supporting young women to access tertiary education, revealing that many beneficiaries of its 2025/2026 scholarship programme were previously unable to continue their academic journeys.

She made this comments during Drive to Inspire – Africa’s 2025 Annual Impact Reporting Event, held under the theme “Building Africa’s Future, One Young Person at a Time,” at the Alisa Hotel, North Ridge, on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

She explained that the majority of the young women recently introduced to guests were fresh entrants into university, while others had resumed their education after periods of financial difficulty.

She indicated that most of the beneficiaries supported for the current academic year were first-year students who had gained admission but lacked the resources to enrol, adding that a number of them had earlier completed Level 100 or Level 200 but were forced to defer their studies.

According to her, the intervention by the organisation enabled such students to return to school, with some now continuing at Level 200 and Level 300, while others had only just begun their academic programmes in January.

She further disclosed that the scholarship selection process is rigorous and highly competitive, beginning in September each year when applications are opened. She noted that following the release of examination results, shortlisted applicants undergo interviews and assessment by a selection committee.

She explained that the process is overseen by a panel of about ten members, chaired in the last cycle by a senior corporate executive, and involves careful scrutiny due to the high number of applications received relative to the limited slots available.

She stressed that although only a few applicants are selected each year, there are many more deserving candidates, some of whom already demonstrate strong entrepreneurial ideas and leadership potential.

Highlighting individual success stories, she mentioned a set of siblings who had drawn attention during the event, clarifying that although two of them appeared on stage, they were in fact triplets, with the third currently studying mathematics and unable to attend due to examinations. She described their progress as a source of pride for the organisation.

Reflecting on the broader mission of the organisation, Nana Adjoa Hackman noted that establishing and running a charity had not initially been part of her personal ambitions, given her professional and family responsibilities. However, she emphasised that the experience had become one of the most fulfilling aspects of her life.

She observed that the organisation’s work continues to resonate widely, attracting attention from the public and media, and often prompting questions about her motivation for founding the initiative.

While acknowledging that the question is frequently asked, she suggested that the answer lies in the real-life transformations witnessed through the programme, particularly the resilience and determination of the young women supported.

She recounted how the organisation regularly receives messages from mentees across Africa, including beneficiaries who have overcome significant challenges through mentorship and guidance.

She cited the example of a mentee who enrolled for the three-month mentorship programme at a time when she was struggling to secure employment. She went on to establish her own business by the end of the programme, with the encouragement and support of her mentor.

According to her, such outcomes underscore the importance of sustained mentorship and empowerment, beyond financial support, in shaping the futures of young people.

She reiterated that the organisation’s work is driven by a commitment to ensure that young women do not give up on their ambitions despite economic or social barriers.

The Annual Impact Reporting Event brought together partners, sponsors, diplomats, and stakeholders to review the organisation’s activities since its establishment in 2023, underlining its focus on education, mentorship, and youth empowerment across the continent.

Nana Adjoa Hackman reaffirmed the organisation’s resolve to expand its reach and continue creating opportunities for young women to thrive, stressing that every intervention represents a step towards building a more inclusive and empowered African future.

Scholarships

DTI-A has awarded scholarships to a new cohort of young women for the 2025/2026 academic year, supporting their studies across a wide range of disciplines in leading tertiary institutions in Ghana and beyond.

The beneficiaries, drawn from different academic backgrounds, are pursuing programmes in health sciences, business, law, education, technology and the humanities, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to holistic youth development and empowerment.

According to details captured in the organisation’s 2025 Impact Report, students have been enrolled in top institutions including the University of Ghana, University of Cape Coast, University of Education, Winneba, University for Development Studies, and the University of Energy and Natural Resources.

Other beneficiary institutions include the University of Professional Studies, Accra, University of Media, Arts and Communication (UNIMAC), the University of Environment and Sustainable Development, and the Ghana School of Law.

The scholarship recipients are undertaking programmes such as BSc. Health Administration Education, Mathematical Science, Computer Science, Biological Science, Nursing, Midwifery and Occupational Therapy, among others.

In addition, several students are pursuing programmes in business and the social sciences, including Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource Management), BSc. Administration, Accounting and Finance, and Family and Child Studies.

The cohort also features students enrolled in specialised areas such as Translation, Fashion Design and Textile Education, Food and Nutrition Education, Environmental and Public Health, as well as English, Theatre Arts and Psychology.

Notably, the beneficiaries span different academic levels, including Level 100 entrants, as well as continuing students in Levels 200 and 300 who are receiving support to complete their programmes. A professional law student at the Ghana School of Law is also among the awardees.