… A man transforming Ghana's digital centers into hubs of innovation, one motivated young person at a time. When Dzifa Gunu was named CE...
…A man transforming Ghana's digital centers into hubs of innovation, one motivated young person at a time.
When Dzifa Gunu was named CEO of Ghana Digital Centres Limited by President John Dramani Mahama in February 2025, he understood that he wasn't merely assuming a role. He was embracing a mission that would shape whether Ghana emerges as a digital leader or continues to watch from the sidelines in Africa's technological transformation. "For years, we questioned if technology was 'juju' or the devil's work while other countries developed industries," Dzifa honestly reflects. "We became users, not innovators. My responsibility is to completely shift that story."
It's a change that begins by facing fear directly. At the Ghana Robotics Competition 2025, addressing a room filled with young creators, Dzifa shared a statement that reflected his entire approach: "Knowledge eliminates fear. Comprehension supplants superstition. Education transforms enigma into expertise."
At that moment, he states, revealed to him all he needed to understand about Ghana's potential. "The future lies in this room. And the future is bright."
There's more to this CEO than initially appears. Beneath his polished exterior is a foundation in Psychology that influences all his actions at Ghana Digital Centres Limited. "My Psychology background has always influenced how I interact with people," he says. "You can't lead digital change without understanding what drives people, what they fear, and what inspires them."
His academic path, which included studying communications at the Ghana Institute for Journalism, earned degrees in Public Relations, and received specialized training in business and human resource development, equipped him with essential skills. However, it is his insight into human behavior that has become extremely valuable as he strives to change the way an entire country interacts with technology. "Being behind is not the same as being incapable," he frequently tells the young individuals who enter the digital centers. "Ghana may be late to the tech revolution, but we are not without ability. We possess the talent, the drive, and the potential."
Dzifa's career path highlights his adaptability. For over ten years, he has worked in media and entertainment, brand communication, and business development across various industries. He began in marketing, overseeing distribution channels in Ghana, The Gambia, and Nigeria, acquiring clients for seminars and establishing connections that would later become essential.
He was involved in public relations and digital marketing consulting, creating strategic communication plans for both new ventures and well-known businesses. He oversaw operations at the Institute for Policy & Strategy Development, created educational programs, and managed accounts for large organizations such as the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre. "Everything I've done has led me to this point," he states plainly. "You gain knowledge everywhere. How to craft an engaging narrative. How to establish effective systems. How to engage with people. All of these elements are crucial when aiming to reshape an entire ecosystem."
Upon arriving at Ghana Digital Centres Limited, he recognized that the foundation required significant improvement. "You can't foster innovation with obsolete systems," he notes. With his guidance, GDCL has experienced a thorough transformation, enhancing operations, governance, and efficiency to match the Ministry of Communications' strategic goals.
Enter any of Ghana's digital hubs today, and you'll witness Dzifa's vision coming to life. The centers are lively with activity: over 10,000 young individuals have been trained, helping create more than 3,000 jobs, supporting over 500 start-ups, and maintaining a 60 percent occupancy rate with more than 60 tech companies based there. "These figures tell a story," Dzifa says, "but they aren't just my success. They reflect the work of an entire team. Every young person who learns to code, every start-up that gains stability, every job created—those are the real triumphs."
His style is notably interactive. With his guidance, GDCL has introduced comprehensive digital marketing training initiatives that equip professionals and business owners with crucial skills. Two-month full stack development classes enhance practical software development abilities. Collaborations, such as one with Teleperformance, increase prospects for young Ghanaians. “We are not merely focusing on theory,” he highlights. “By the end of our programme, individuals should be capable of creating something, addressing an issue, and generating value. That is what is important.”
When asked about his primary objective, Dzifa responds without hesitation: establishing digital centers in every region of Ghana. This is a key part of his plan for the One Million Coders Agenda, an ambitious project aimed at cultivating a group of problem-solvers capable of shaping Ghana's digital future. "Technology is not separate from development. Technology is development," he asserts confidently, reflecting a recurring message in his speeches. "Every country that has evolved over the past 50 years did so by integrating technology into its core development strategy. Ghana must follow suit."
Yet, there is something even more intimate that motivates him. "My greatest accomplishment," he shares, "would be to witness five start-ups we nurtured from the ground up grow into genuinely successful enterprises. Not merely existing, but flourishing. Generating employment. Addressing challenges. Bringing pride to Ghana."
It is this human-focused approach that distinguishes him. "Africa has the youngest population globally. We face the challenges. We have the young minds. What we need is knowledge and the tools," he says to anyone willing to hear. "When youth employ AI to tackle sustainability issues, when they create robots and write code, each innovation is a statement that Ghana is prepared, that Africa is on the rise."
One of his most cherished achievements occurred in 2025 when he guided Team Ghana to the renowned AI for Good Competition in Geneva. “Effectively representing Ghana at this level, demonstrating our potential, is what it's all about," he states with clear pride. "We are showing that Ghana has a place in the worldwide discussion on technology and innovation."
This is the kind of exposure that Dzifa considers essential. "We are not avoiding technology. We are moving towards it," he states, expressing the change in attitude he is promoting throughout the country.
Outside of the digital hubs, Dzifa is actively involved in Ghana's political scene as a well-known member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). As a sharp political analyst and speaker, he isn't afraid to address false information on social media or promote policies that support digital progress. "Politics and technology aren't separate," he states. "If we want Ghana to take the lead in Africa's digital transformation, it needs to be a top priority. Leaders must make it significant."
His involvement in politics shapes his contributions at GDCL. He recognizes the significance of governmental backing, collaborative alliances, and establishing a favorable climate for innovation to thrive.
Begin your day on social media when Dzifa is active, and you'll probably see him posting an inspiring quote from the Bible or Quran. This is his method of boosting others' spirits, demonstrating his dedication to support and togetherness.
As the weekend comes, you'll see him relaxing with friends and fellow colleagues, preparing for another week dedicated to advancing Ghana's digital transformation. He is enthusiastic about psychology, narrative creation, and guiding emerging professionals, regarding these passions as closely linked to his job rather than distinct from it. "Everything is connected," he says. "Grasping human behavior, crafting engaging stories, and developing effective systems—these aren't separate abilities. They're all part of driving impactful change."
To the young individuals entering Ghana's digital centers, Dzifa delivers a clear message: "Cease being afraid of what you don't know. These are not idle hours. They are time shaping the future."
He frequently speaks directly to parents as well: "The time your child spends learning technology is an investment, not a risk. Your creativity is your most valuable asset. Your perseverance is what will bridge the gap."
His guidance for upcoming creators is straightforward yet impactful: "Stay curious and flexible. The work environment is evolving rapidly, and the most essential professionals will be those who can keep learning, maintain a human-focused approach, and apply innovation to address genuine challenges. Young innovators don't require approval," he mentions. "What they need are opportunities, assistance, and encouragement. That's what we're developing at these centers."
There's a saying that Dzifa frequently revisits, one that appears to embody his entire worldview: "If we educate today as we did yesterday, we will not equip our children for the future."
That's why he is so dedicated to change. That's why he advocates for AI contests and robotics trials. That's why he supports coding schools and online marketing classes. That's why he is forming alliances and reorganizing processes. "Every robot constructed, every line of code written, these are statements that Ghana is prepared, that Africa is emerging," he states with enthusiasm. "We aren't just preparing people for employment. They don't merely find jobs, they generate jobs. They don't just develop apps, they establish industries that safeguard our environment."
Under Dzifa's guidance, Ghana Digital Centres Limited is evolving from a governmental institution into a hub of innovation. The goal is bold: digital centers in every region, one million programmers trained, and Ghana taking the lead in Africa's digital transformation. "Not maybe. Not someday. NOW," he stresses.
It's a path moving from fear to strength, from "that's just superstition" to "I created it," from being passive recipients to becoming active creators. At the heart of this change is a CEO who strongly believes in the impact of education, the capabilities of young people, and the possibilities of technology. "The future isn't approaching," Dzifa Gunu states with her usual determination. "It's already here. We're simply ensuring that Ghana is prepared to embrace it."
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
