Dorothy Gordon Challenges Ghanaian Youth to Lead in Tech Innovation
Young Ghanaians must begin to see themselves not only as users of technology but as innovators shaping solutions for the future, says Madam Dorothy Gordon, Founding Director-General of the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT.
Speaking at the just ended 2025 MOBEX Africa Tech and Innovation Awards in Accra, she said the country’s digital transformation depends on the willingness of its youth to develop the confidence and skills to create technology, not just consume it.
The MOBEX AFRICA Innovation Awards 2025 celebrated outstanding achievements in digital innovation across various sectors, with a strong emphasis on solutions designed to address African challenges through African ingenuity. The event brought together policymakers, regulators, entrepreneurs and creatives who are pushing the frontiers of the continent’s technology ecosystem.
Madam Gordon said the perception that technology is reserved for people with backgrounds in areas such as computer science and engineering is outdated. She explained that digital tools have become central to work and productivity in every field including media, health, agriculture, education and the creative industries.
She said, “The idea that technology is only for computer scientists or engineers is very old-fashioned. Digital technology is driving every sector. Even in the media, you cannot work effectively today without understanding the digital tools that shape production, reporting and distribution.”
She encouraged young people in all professions to take a deliberate interest in digital skills because those who learn to apply and build technology will drive innovation in the coming years.
“Whatever profession you want to pursue, start learning about digital technology now. The people shaping innovation globally are young. You can become a global expert before age 30 if you decide to learn, practice and create,” she said.
Madam Gordon said it is time for young Ghanaians to shift from being passive recipients of imported technology to developing solutions that respond directly to local needs and realities.
“Focus on learning with the aim of innovating. Do not only be a user. Be someone who creates technology that solves problems in your community and your country,” she added.
Her remarks come at a period when Ghana’s digital economy is expanding, supported by growth in fintech, mobile payments, digital trade, software development, creative digital media, data analytics and artificial intelligence.
She emphasized that building a culture of innovation requires both self-belief and consistent learning and noted that Africa’s greatest resource remains its youthful population.
Madam Gordon, who has been instrumental in promoting digital inclusion and capacity building across Africa, continues to advocate stronger support systems that encourage experimentation, mentorship and local product development. Her message at MOBEX Africa highlighted that Ghana’s technological progress will be defined by the young people who choose to shape the tools of the future rather than simply rely on them.
