1.LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP
Message from Advisory Board Chairman
The DUNK staff and volunteers have completed incredibly busy back-to-back weekends. The Women in Sports Day was busy with activities and incredibly successful. A huge positive impact on the youths of Accura resulted from tireless efforts by the DUNK workers and local volunteers. Thank you, everyone involved!
Developing Unity Nurturing Knowledge
Never in the fourteen-year history of DUNK (founded in 2010) have these four letters represented the direction of this outstanding organisation. As the Advisory Board, we are committed to stepping up our own game in support of the vision of both founding members of Dunk. We are committed to a more active role by expanding to build upon the past successes of DUNK while forging new growth opportunities. The Board will focus on sustained program funding for current and future youth programs, expansion of educational programs available for both DUNK staff and the youth they serve, and continuing support of inclusion & equity as the fabric of our core values.
It’s an exciting time to be part of this outstanding organisation. It is my privilege to serve as part of the Advisory Board as we forge together for the next decade here at DUNK.
Michael Meskis Advisory Board Chairman
Message from Executive Director(s) Reflection on 2024 and Vision for 2025
As we close another remarkable year at DUNK Grassroots, we reflect with pride, gratitude, and renewed purpose. 2024 was a year of resilience, growth, and deepened community impact. From the fishing communities of Agege to the vibrant streets of Nima and Agbogbloshie, our work continues to ignite change where it's needed most — through sport, education, and youth empowerment.
This year, we strengthened our core programs and expanded into new areas. We launched DUNK IT UP! Street Lyf in Accra, engaging over 150 young women, amplifying the voices of street-connected youth and re-establishing a network of street-connected NGO’s and CSOs. Our IAM_Code initiative brought MacBooks, mentorship, and tech training to underserved young people, unlocking new paths to digital literacy and innovation. The Boys for Change project powerfully reshaped perceptions of masculinity, proving once again that when young people are trusted and supported, they lead transformation in their communities.
None of this would have been possible without our team, volunteers, partners, and donors — individuals and institutions who believe in the right of every child to play, learn, and thrive. Thank you for walking alongside us.
As we look ahead to 2025, our vision remains bold: to activate a permanent community centre in AgegeAccra that brings together basketball, dance, after-school learning, and creative and cultural activities to the forefront of street-connected youth in Ghana.
DUNK is more than an organisation — it’s a movement. By investing in DUNK, you're investing in Ghana’s youth — and in a future where they are not just surviving, but leading and crafting their path to creating lasting social change..
We invite you to continue this journey with us. Whether through partnership, volunteering, or donations, your support fuels our mission. Let’s keep rising — together
Mohammed Tahir Co-Founder/ DUNK Grassroots
2. INTRODUCTION
DUNK GRASSROOTS is a dynamic youth-led, locally driven community-based organisation based in Ghana that supports people between 10 - 25years to become a force of change in their communities. DUNK offers diverse programming centred around sports and education in three locations in Ghana. DUNK invests and continues to thrive to offer physical community spaces for young people in Ghana to play, Learn and grow
In 2024, DUNK initiated a Street Hub project, an ongoing design to transform an abandoned site into a youth hub to offer support to young people in Accra, through urban sports such as 3x3 basketball, dance and a creative studio. DUNK is strengthening our operation in Tamale through the “Bring Your A-GAME” Initiatives with our partners YEFL - GHANA and GAME.
The DUNK mission and remains to create inclusive, sustainable opportunities where young people can thrive, lead, and transform their communities from the ground up. As a trusted active grassroots organisation, we blend local knowledge with innovative programming to tackle systemic barriers and build resilient futures. DUNK envisions a Ghana where young people are empowered and equipped with resources to be a change for themselves and their communities using sports as a tool.
DUNK Core Values is based on the principle of “Being a Star”
Belonging & Inclusion to transform lives
Strive for Excellence
Transparency and Accountability
Adaptability & Compassion
Respect for team members
3. DUNK METHODOLOGY FOR CREATING CHANGE AND EMPOWERED YOUTH
At DUNK, our approach to creating sustainable impact and empowering youth is built on three interdependent pillars. These pillars work together to foster community ownership, long-lasting transformation, and inclusive development for at-risk children and young people.
Pillar 1: Equal Access to Sports
We believe that safe, inclusive sports spaces can transform lives. This pillar begins with the identification and co-design of abandoned or underutilised community spaces, which we convert into vibrant youth hubs through a participatory process involving public-private partnerships. Through a series of stakeholder meetings, we secure permissions and agreements to rehabilitate these spaces.
Once secured, we transform these areas into sports-based facilities that serve as safe spaces for children and youth to:
Positively channel their energy
Build social cohesion
Develop critical life skills through sport
We offer free weekly sports sessions in basketball and dance, complemented by access to:
Quality sports kits, jerseys, and footwear
Community tournaments and leagues
Culturally rooted training sessions incorporating elements like music, graffiti, and urban expression
This culturally responsive approach helps build a strong sense of identity, motivation, and belonging among participants.
Pillar 2: After-School Educational Support
Education is introduced once sports activities are established, and youth engagement is high. At-risk youth aged 10–17 who participate in our sports program are required to attend 2–3 hours of afterschool tutoring at the DUNK center each week.
Our after-school support covers:
MATHEMATICS
ENGLISH
BASIC COMPUTER LITERCY AND CODING
Volunteer tutors facilitate these sessions, which alternate across different sports teams—ensuring that each day offers a combination of sports and education. A simple rule guides participation: No studies, no play.
This integrated model strengthens discipline and promotes academic engagement. We also:
Conduct quarterly school visits
Collect and review academic report cards
Provide scholarships to high-performing students
Pillar 3: Youth Empowerment (Ages 18–25)
Our final pillar focuses on Youth Empowerment, guided by the Empowerment Method developed by our partners at GAME (Denmark). This methodology equips young people with life skills that prepare them to lead, mentor others, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
The Empowerment Method operates on three interconnected levels:
1. Individual Life Skills – Enhancing self-awareness, resilience, and confidence
2. Group Life Skills – Strengthening teamwork, communication, and cooperation
3. Community Engagement – Fostering civic responsibility, leadership, and active participation
These life skills are embedded in all our empowerment trainings, creating a holistic framework that enables youth to face daily challenges and opportunities with purpose and capacity.
Together, these three pillars form the core of DUNK’s methodology: a youth-driven, community-led approach to access, learning, and leadership that nurtures empowered individuals ready to shape their futures.
4. 2024 HIGHLIGHTS
A Year of Growth, Innovation & Youth-Led Impact
2024 marked a pivotal year for DUNK Grassroots a year defined by bold initiatives, strengthened partnerships, and deeper community engagement. As our programs expanded in scale and depth, so too did our commitment to youth-led change and social inclusion. Here are some standout milestones from the year:
LAUNCH OF THE URBAN SPORTS FESTIVAL :
We launched Ghana’s first Urban Sports Festival, a high-energy platform to spotlight urban and action sports— from basketball and dance to skateboarding and freestyle rap— paving pathways for local talent to reach international stages.
DUNK IT UP –STREET LYF IN ACCRA :
Through sports and cultural activities, we engaged over 150 street porters (Kayayei) in Accra to gather valuable data on the push and pull factors driving rural-urban migration from Tamale to Accra—amplifying unheard voices and creating pathways to support.
BRING THE A-GAME:
In partnership with GAME (Denmark), we scaled the Playmaker Program, launching:
8 GAME Zones across Accra and Tamale
A new GAME-GIRLS Zone
A locally adapted Playmaker Curriculum for Ghana
Trained 120 youth leaders, reaching o 800 children through peer-led sports and life skills sessions.
HOMECOMING II:
STEP-UP PROJECT II:
We rolled out the second phase of the StepUp Project, supporting at-risk single mothers with vocational skills, psychosocial support, and livelihood opportunities to build financial independence and dignity
Held the second edition of Homecoming, our annual alumni gathering celebrating the journeys of DUNK graduates, reconnecting generations of youth and building a stronger intergenerational network.
SHE-RISES CONFERENCE:
Hosted the She-Rises Conference, an all-girls leadership and mentorship event that empowered 200 at-risk girls with menstrual health education, confidence-building activities, and access to positive role models.
BOYS FOR CHANGE DISSEMINATION EVENT
Held a high-level event to share outcomes from the Boys for Change initiative— promoting positive masculinity and empowering boys to become allies in advancing gender justice.
EXPANSION OF IAM _ CODE
Strengthened our IAM_Code program with new equipment and a donation of 10 MacBooks, enabling staff and students to deepen their computer literacy and coding skills across DUNK centres.
5 IMPACT IN NUMBERS
BEYOND THE STATS: EVERY NUMBER TELLS A STORY
At DUNK Grassroots, each number reflects a moment of change—a child gaining confidence, a young woman discovering her voice, or a youth leader stepping into purpose. These aren’t just data points—they’re milestones of resilience, growth, and community strength.
BY
THE NUMBERS – 2024
2,320 children and youth are directly engaged across our sports, after-school, and empowerment programs in Jamestown, Nima, and Agege.
12 community sports teams supported, including 3 all-girls teams promoting inclusion and leadership.
12 major events organised, including the Urban Sports Festival, She-Rises Conference, Street Games, and the GAME Finals.
480 after-school sessions delivered, totalling 1,100+ hours of tutoring in Math, English, ICT, and life skills.
165 youth volunteers trained to lead weekly sports and life skills sessions in their communities.
38 long-term volunteers and 20+ community partners actively collaborated—from grassroots groups to international networks.
6. STORIES OF CHANGE
MEET ABDUL AZIZ YAKUBU, A SHINING EXAMPLE OF RESILIENCE, PURPOSE, AND THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF SPORTS & EDUCATION.
Aziz grew up in the heart of Nima, one of Accra’s most stigmatized neighborhoods often associated with poverty, violence, substance abuse, and low literacy rates In 2018 he joined DUNK’s sports and after-school program. Despite the many barriers around him, Aziz remained committed showing up week after week with determination and quiet leadership. By 2023, Aziz had become a Playmaker one of DUNK’s peer mentors who volunteer their time to guide, support, and uplift younger children in their communities His dedication not only earned him the respect of his peers but opened new doors for him
In 2023, through a partnership between DUNK and the Sports Division of the University of Cape Coast, Aziz received a scholarship to pursue tertiary education a milestone that changed the trajectory of his life That same year, he was selected to represent Ghana’s U16 Basketball Team in Cote D’ivoire, and most recently, Aziz was one of four DUNK athletes chosen to attend the prestigious 2025 Giants of Africa Festival in Kigali, a global platform that celebrates youth potential through sport.
"DUNK gave me more than a ball they gave me a future From the streets of Nima to standing on international courts, I’m proof that when youth are seen, supported, and believed in, they rise " Abdul Aziz Yakubu
Aziz’s story is one of many that reflect what’s possible when community, opportunity, and commitment come together. At DUNK, we remain steadfast in our mission to unlock the potential of young people like Aziz because change begins when they believe they can
STORIES OF CHANGE
BREAKING BARRIERS: RITA’S JOURNEY FROM COURT TO CLASSROOM
At just 19 years old, Rita Lamptey is a living example of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of opportunity Growing up in a fishing community where access to education for girls is limited and early dropouts are common, Rita’s future once seemed uncertain
Her turning point came when she joined DUNK Grassroots. What began as a love for basketball quickly became a pathway to a brighter future Through DUNK’s integrated sports and after-school programmes, Rita not only honed her skills on the court but also improved her academic performance in the classroom The combination of structured training, life skills sessions, and consistent educational support helped her overcome barriers that have held back many of her peers.
Basketball gave Rita more than athletic skills it gave her the confidence to dream bigger and the discipline to pursue her goals With DUNK’s support, she completed high school and became one of the few young women from her community to enrol in university Today, Rita is in her first year at the University of Cape Coast, balancing her studies with mentoring younger girls in her neighbourhood, inspiring them to believe in their own potential.
“DUNK taught me that my dreams are valid and achievable It’s not just about basketball; it’s about believing in myself and creating a future I never thought possible ” Rita Lamptey
Rita’s journey reminds us that when youth are given access, support, and belief, they can redefine their futures and inspire others to follow.
7. FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT
In 2024, DUNK Grassroots demonstrated a strong commitment to transparency and impact by channelling the majority of funds directly into programmes that benefit children, youth, and communities across Ghana
INCOME OVERVIEW
Total income for 2024 was GHS 3.41 million, driven primarily by:
Restricted Funds: GHS 2.96 million (87% of total income): 3,020,143
Fundraising (Unrestricted): GHS393,281
Opening Balances & Dues: GHS76,926.09
EXPENSE OVERVIEW
The largest share of our spending went to core programmes, infrastructure, and communitybased initiatives:
Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme Supplies: GHS 258,200
Mics and Project-Based Expenses: GHS 2,484,900.33
Contractor, Construction & Refurbishment: GHS 111,939
Office Admin, Salaries & Allowances: Utilities: 8,400, Bank Charges: 1,728, Salaries: 223,284, Centre Supplies: 189,520, Communications/Internet: 12,336.
Total =GHS435,268
Licences Renewal and PAYE Income TAX: GHS 18,569.40
School Sponsorship Support: GHS 32,900
Total Expenses: GHS 3,341,776.73
Over 70% of all expenditures were directly invested in programmes and activities that strengthen communities, promote inclusion, and empower youth aligning closely with our mission and donor priorities
KEY TAKEAWAY
Your contributions in 2024 enabled us to scale our impact, strengthen programme delivery, and invest in sustainable community development Every cedi entrusted to DUNK Grassroots continues to create opportunities and lasting change
9. PARTNERSHIP AND SUPPORT
TOGETHER, WE MAKE IMPACT POSSIBLE
In 2024, DUNK Grassroots continued to thrive through the strength of its partnerships. From institutional collaborators to grassroots allies, our collective impact was made possible by those who believe in youth-led change
INSTITUTIONAL & COMMUNITY PARTNERS
We worked hand-in-hand with dedicated partners across sectors educational institutions, municipal authorities, civil society organisations, and global networks to co-design programs, expand access, and amplify community voices. Their expertise, local knowledge, and shared vision remain central to our success
DONORS & FUNDERS
We are deeply grateful to the donors and funding organisations who sustained our mission through financial and in-kind support Their contributions directly fueled program delivery, community activations, capacity building, and infrastructure improvements across our sites
VOLUNTEERS & SUPPORTERS
A heartfelt thank you to our cherished volunteers and countless community supporters who showed up with time, energy, and skills leading sessions, mentoring youth, and making our events come alive You are the spirit behind every milestone
9. WHAT’S NEXT –2025 OUTLOOK
FUELING MOMENTUM, DEEPENING IMPACT
As we step into 2025, DUNK Grassroots is focused on scaling our impact, elevating youth voices, and creating new pathways for inclusion, visibility, and global exchange
Here are some of our key priorities for the year ahead:
OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE STREET-HUB IN AGEGE
We’re gearing up to open our newly renovated Street-Hub Centre in Agege a multipurpose community space combining sport, arts, and education This marks a major milestone in our mission to transform abandoned spaces into safe, vibrant hubs for youth leadership and learning.
URBAN SPORTS FESTIVAL – LITE QUEST EDITION
Following the success of our inaugural Urban Sports Festival, we’re excited to launch a scaled-down, high-energy “Lite Quest Edition”, blending sports, music, and street culture to reach new audiences and nurture emerging talent
INFORMATION
