Dr. George Dery is a distinguished scholar and seasoned professional with extensive experience in academia, development management, and social administration. He embarked on his academic journey at the University of Cape Coast, where he earned his Bachelor of Education degree focusing on Psychology and Accounting. Building upon this foundation, he pursued his passion for development management, obtaining a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree in Development Management from the University for Development Studies (UDS), Tamale. Dr. Dery’s academic pursuits culminated in a Ph.D. in Social Administration, further solidifying his expertise in the field, also from UDS.
Throughout his career, Dr. Dery has seamlessly blended academia with practical experience, enriching both his understanding and application of development principles. His professional journey began as a Financial Accounting teacher at Wa Islamic Senior High School, where he honed his pedagogical skills and laid the groundwork for his future endeavors. Subsequently, he transitioned into the realm of development work, serving as a project officer with the Centre for the Development of People (CEDEP) and later contributing to a USAID project focused on enhancing government accountability in the Wa region.
In 2005, Dr. Dery joined ActionAid Ghana, beginning a transformative chapter in his career. Starting as a Programme Officer, he rapidly ascended the ranks, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic acumen. His tenure culminated in his appointment as the Regional Programme Manager for the Upper West Region, a role in which he played a pivotal role in driving impactful development initiatives.
In 2020, amidst the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Dery made a strategic pivot, transitioning from the realm of development practice to academia. He currently serves as a lecturer at the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, where he imparts his knowledge and expertise in Gender and Development, Social Services Management, Organizational Management, and a host of other related disciplines.
In 2020, amidst the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Dery made a strategic pivot, transitioning from the realm of development practice to academia. He currently serves as a lecturer at the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, where he imparts his knowledge and expertise in Gender and Development, Social Services Management, Organizational Management, and a host of other related disciplines.
In addition to his academic responsibilities, Dr. Dery holds several key positions that underscore his commitment to fostering sustainable development and social progress. He serves as the Programme Development Coordinator for the West African Centre for Sustainable Rural Transformation, as well as the Third-year Industrial Coordinator within the Department of Development Management and Local Governance at SDD-UBIDS. Dr. Dery also lends his expertise to various organizations, serving as Vice Chairman of St. Francis Xavier Junior Seminary and Senior High School in Wa, Chairman of Yison Tech Hub, and Patron of the UN Association, Upper West Chapter. Furthermore, he leverages his extensive knowledge and experience as a consultant for both local and international entities, including Endogenous Development Services (EDS) and Winrock International, USA.
In his role as Director of MAGVIN Research Institute, Dr. George Dery brings a wealth of expertise, passion, and a track record of impactful contributions to the field of development research. With his multidisciplinary background, firm commitment to excellence, and visionary leadership, he is poised to lead the MAGVIN Research Institute toward new heights of innovation, collaboration, and societal impact.