Lecturer at Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Ghana
Dr. George Nanko Dery is a seasoned development management practitioner and academic with over 20 years of experience in gender equality, human rights-based development, and social inclusion. Currently a lecturer at Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Ghana, he holds a Ph.D. in Social Administration and has significantly contributed to both academic research and community development. His expertise spans across program development, capacity building, and participatory research, demonstrated through various roles with ActionAid Ghana and consultancy work. Dr. Dery has authored impactful publications on gender inequality, unpaid care work, and rural development in reputable international journals. His strength lies in combining practical development work with academic rigor, making his research relevant and applied. While his work is commendable, increasing publication in high-impact journals and expanding global collaborations could enhance his academic profile further. Overall, he is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award due to his impactful contributions to development research and practice.
Professional Profile
Education🎓
Dr. George Nanko Dery has a strong educational background rooted in social sciences and development studies. He earned his Ph.D. in Social Administration from the University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana, between 2017 and 2023, where he focused on advancing inclusive and equitable development practices. Prior to this, he completed an M.Phil. in Development Management at the same university from 2010 to 2012, building a solid foundation in managing and evaluating development programs. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Education in Psychology from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, which he pursued from 1996 to 1999. Earlier in his academic life, he obtained both his G.C.E. Advanced and Ordinary Level Certificates from Tema Secondary School and Kanton Secondary School respectively. This comprehensive educational trajectory has equipped him with the theoretical knowledge and analytical skills necessary for his extensive work in research, teaching, and development-focused consultancy.
Professional Experience📝
Dr. George Nanko Dery has amassed over two decades of rich professional experience in development practice, research, and academia. He currently serves as a lecturer in the Department of Local Governance and City Management at the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies. His career includes leadership roles such as Regional Programme Manager and Senior Programme Officer at ActionAid Ghana, where he led gender and women’s rights initiatives and managed large-scale development projects. He also worked with the Government Accountability Improves Trust (GAIT II) project as a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer and served as a Project Officer for the Centre for the Development of People (CEDEP). Additionally, he has contributed as a consultant and research partner with various local and international organizations, delivering training, evaluations, and capacity-building programs. His work spans thematic areas such as gender equity, youth empowerment, rural development, and human rights-based approaches to development.
Research Interest🔎
Dr. George Nanko Dery’s research interests lie at the intersection of gender equality, social inclusion, and development management, with a particular focus on marginalized communities in rural Ghana. He is deeply engaged in exploring the dynamics of unpaid care work, gender-based inequalities, and the socio-economic empowerment of women. His academic work often adopts a human rights-based approach to development, aiming to influence policy and practice in gender mainstreaming and community participation. Dr. Dery is also interested in youth development, participatory rural appraisal, and the integration of gender equity into governance structures. His research is informed by his extensive field experience and is designed to produce practical outcomes that benefit communities directly. By combining qualitative and action research methodologies, he ensures that his studies are grounded in real-life challenges and responsive to the needs of underserved populations. His work significantly contributes to both scholarly discourse and the development sector in Ghana and beyond.
Award and Honor🏆
Dr. George Nanko Dery has earned recognition for his outstanding contributions to gender advocacy, development practice, and academic research. While specific awards and honors are not explicitly listed in his curriculum vitae, his leadership roles and consultancy engagements with reputable organizations such as ActionAid Ghana, Catholic Relief Services, WINROCK International, and the United Nations reflect a high level of trust and acknowledgment of his expertise. His impactful work in training police personnel on gender issues and developing gender mainstreaming strategies for district assemblies has garnered professional respect within both governmental and non-governmental circles. Furthermore, his scholarly publications in esteemed international journals on gender inequality, unpaid care work, and rural development underscore his academic achievements. Dr. Dery’s continued involvement in high-impact community development projects and policy formulation initiatives exemplifies his recognition as a thought leader and advocate for inclusive, rights-based development. His career trajectory reflects a commitment to excellence, equity, and transformative leadership.
Research Skill🔬
Dr. George Nanko Dery possesses strong and diverse research skills, cultivated through years of practical experience and academic engagement in development studies. His expertise spans qualitative, participatory, and action research methodologies, with a deep commitment to community-based and rights-focused research. He demonstrates proficiency in developing and implementing research tools, conducting needs assessments, and analyzing social dynamics in marginalized communities. His work often integrates participatory rural appraisal (PRA) techniques, ensuring inclusive engagement with non-literate populations. Dr. Dery is adept at translating complex social phenomena into actionable findings, particularly in areas such as gender inequality, youth empowerment, and social inclusion. His research is guided by evidence-based inquiry and a strong ethical foundation, contributing to policy development and capacity-building interventions. Furthermore, his ability to collaborate across sectors and synthesize multidisciplinary perspectives enhances the relevance and impact of his research outputs, positioning him as a skilled and impactful researcher in Ghana’s development landscape.
Conclusion💡
Dr. George Nanko Dery is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, especially in the fields of social development, gender equity, and community engagement research. His deep-rooted experience, commitment to transformative work, and a blend of academic and real-world application make him stand out.
Publications Top Noted✍️
1. Intersectionality in Gender Inequality Among Women: Adopting Policies to Minimise Unpaid Care Burden on Rural Women in North-Western Ghana
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Title: Intersectionality in Gender Inequality Among Women: Adopting Policies to Minimise Unpaid Care Burden on Rural Women in North-Western Ghana
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Authors: George Nanko Dery, Eric Duorinaah, Samuel Ziem Bonye
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Year: 2025
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Journal: Women’s Studies International Forum
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Citation Count: 0 (as of now)
2. Follower Response and Leader Effectiveness in Selected Public Basic Schools in Ghana
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Title: Follower Response and Leader Effectiveness in Selected Public Basic Schools in Ghana
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Authors: Eric Duorinaah, George Dery Nanko, Marshall Kala
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Year: 2024
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Journal: African Journal of Empirical Research
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DOI: 10.51867/ajernet.5.3.63
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Citation Count: Not cited yet (0 citations currently via Crossref)
