The Ghana Chapter of Good Deeds Day, a global movement of people and organizations dedicated to doing good every day has launched a bold initiative to spotlight and celebrate the natural talents of young people, using its 2025 Talent Celebration and Awards event in Accra to champion creativity, cultural pride, and youth empowerment.
The event attracted over 200 children from various schools and youth-focused organisations, offering a platform for performances and exhibitions in music, dance, drama, pencil art, reading in Ghanaian languages, and art made from recycled materials.
Country Director of Good Deeds Day Ghana, Mrs Lily Bright Tetteh, stressed the organisation’s mission to redefine acts of kindness by including the nurturing of talent as a powerful form of social good. She said the programme aims to build confidence and unlock opportunities for children whose natural skills are often overlooked in traditional academic settings.
“Talent is also a good deed. When supported, it can help build stronger communities and influence national development. Unfortunately, society tends to overlook these gifts, focusing narrowly on formal education,” Mrs Tetteh said.
She criticised the growing trend of neglecting natural ability in favour of classroom performance, noting that such a narrow view limits the potential of youth. “What happens to the child who makes musical instruments from cans or the one with an exceptional voice? These are gifts that need recognition and development,” she added.
The event also introduced a new award category for outstanding reading in Ghanaian languages, a move aimed at reversing the decline of local dialects in schools. “Language is a critical part of identity. By including it in our awards, we hope to revive pride in our mother tongues,” Mrs Tetteh explained.
In a bid to create equal celebration across board, each participating school and organisation received a trophy and medal, ensuring no child left the event without recognition. EAAK Football Club from Teshie was among the groups specially commended for their contribution.
Mrs Tetteh acknowledged the support of the global Good Deeds Day network, led by Mr Kaynan Robino, CEO of Good Deeds Day Israel. She credited his leadership and the organisation’s global partnerships for helping the initiative expand into more than 100 countries.
Looking forward, the Ghana team intends to take the talent awards nationwide, rotating celebrations across regions including the Eastern, Western, and Northern parts of the country. The plan is to partner with mentors and professionals who can guide and support talented children in their development.
“We want every child to feel seen and appreciated. Whether you win an award or simply share your talent, you are part of something bigger. That alone is a good deed worth celebrating,” Mrs Tetteh concluded.
