Gifty Asantewah Kankam’s journey is a compelling example of how volunteerism can serve as a catalyst for personal growth, professional development, and global opportunity.
A Chartered Accountant and alumna of the University of Ghana, Gifty holds a Bachelor of Science in Administration (Accounting major). With over six years of experience in financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls, she has built a solid foundation in applying international accounting standards, managing audits, and leading financial teams.
Today, Gifty is pursuing a Master of Professional Accountancy at Georgia State University, where she also serves as a Graduate Assistant. Her transition into graduate school was shaped not only by her professional expertise but also by her four-year leadership journey and community service with Spring-UP Global Network.
Gifty reading with learners at the commisioning of the Adweso Cluster of Schools library, Koforidua, Eastern Region
Volunteering as a Platform for Growth
As Finance Lead at Spring-UP, Gifty played a strategic role in fundraising and financial management across the organisation’s flagship programmes; iRead iLead Campaign, Mentor Me Programme, and the Back-to-School Drive. These initiatives are central to Spring-UP’s mission of driving literacy equity and career readiness in underserved communities through libraries, mentorship, and STEAM education.
Her leadership was instrumental in the successful implementation of the $55,000 Deloitte WorldClass Initiative, which enabled the construction of eight libraries across five regions in Ghana within 20 months, reaching over 23,000 learners in its first year. She also led fundraising efforts to establish the Agbekotsekpo D/A Basic School library following COVID-19 school closures, an urgent intervention to address learning loss among vulnerable students.
“Volunteering gave me the space to apply my skills in real-time, with real consequences. It challenged me to think strategically, communicate clearly, and lead with empathy. These experiences prepared me for graduate school in ways that go beyond the classroom.”
— Gifty Asantewah Kankam
Community Engagement Rooted in Action
Gifty’s impact extended beyond financial systems into direct community engagement. She actively participated in outreach programmes, earlier this year, she participated in Spring-UP’s Career Guidance and STEM Mentorship Seminar at Agbekotsekpo D/A Basic School, where she led conversations on future careers, financial literacy, and personal growth.
Gifty after an outreach at Kwashieman Cluster of Schools in Accra
Even after handing over her Finance Lead role in April 2025, Gifty continued to serve with passion. On May 30, 2025, she led an outreach to over 500 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates at the Kwashieman Cluster of Schools in Accra. Drawing from her personal academic journey, she shared practical exam strategies and mobilised resources to donate 120 math sets to support the students.
Gifty with a BECE candidate after an outreach at Kwashieman Cluster of Schools in Accra
Whether mentoring learners, managing budgets, or raising funds, Gifty consistently brought clarity, compassion, and commitment to every initiative.
Continuing the Mission
Though she has transitioned into graduate studies, Gifty continues to offer financial guidance and oversight to Spring-UP Global Network, ensuring the systems she helped build remain strong and sustainable.
Her legacy is visible in the programmes she supported, the structures she strengthened, and the lives she helped shape. Spring-UP Global Network proudly celebrates Gifty’s admission to Georgia State University and honours her for demonstrating how volunteer work can be a powerful tool for community development, youth empowerment, and lifelong learning.
