The Volta Region has the talent, environment and emerging innovation ecosystem needed to position it as Ghana’s technology capital, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Digital Centres Limited, Dzifa Gunu, has said.

Speaking at the launch of the 2026 Volta Tech and Innovation Summit (VTIS) in Ho, Gunu said the region’s potential could be unlocked through deliberate investment in digital literacy, talent development, infrastructure and collaboration among government, the private sector, universities and technology companies.

He stressed that building a technology ecosystem went beyond constructing physical facilities, noting that “a system is not a building.”

According to him, a successful digital economy requires several institutions and actors working together, including business process outsourcing companies, startups, universities and event organisers.

Gunu explained that Ghana Digital Centre was only one player within a wider ecosystem needed to create sustainable opportunities in the digital economy.

He revealed that although the Centre’s office was affected by recent floods, its operations continued because systems had been put in place to ensure business continuity.

“The Accra Digital Centre is one player in the system, not the whole of it,” he said, adding that the Centre, established under President John Dramani Mahama to create jobs, had contributed to more than 3,000 direct and indirect jobs and supported over 500 startups.

He also stressed the importance of introducing digital literacy at an early stage, arguing that young people must be equipped with relevant skills from childhood to prepare them for the rapidly changing global economy.

Gunu said the summit, scheduled for November or December 2026, would provide an opportunity to attract talent, develop young innovators, incubate startups and connect businesses and entrepreneurs to opportunities beyond the region.

He described the Volta Region as having the right environment for technological development, referencing President Mahama’s description of Ho as the “Oxygen City.”

“We have the talent,” he said, arguing that the region’s natural environment, mountains and attractive setting could support an innovation ecosystem similar to those found in leading technology hubs globally.

Co-Founder of VTIS, Elvis Kofi Bomasah, said talent was not lacking in the region but that the major challenge was creating opportunities for young people to develop and commercialise their skills.

He said the region had the potential to become Ghana’s Silicon Valley, citing successful entrepreneurs with links to the region, including Eyram Tawia of Leti Arts, Ari Mata, Alloysius Attah of Farmerline and Anthony Dzamefe of Caveman Watches.

Bomasah said VTIS was designed to bridge the gap between successful entrepreneurs and young people seeking to follow similar paths through mentorship, networking and knowledge-sharing.

Another Co-Founder, Courage Asase, said the summit would focus on talent as the region’s major competitive advantage while supporting existing actors within the technology ecosystem.

He stressed, however, that talent development must be accompanied by strong institutions, investment, reliable internet, workspaces and direct investment from organisations willing to establish operations in the region.

Opening the summit on behalf of the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, Assistant Director in charge of Protocol at the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, Yanick Noah Agboado, described VTIS as a bold declaration that the region was ready to embrace the future.

He said technology was redefining education, employment, production, communication and the delivery of solutions to societal challenges.

The minister assured stakeholders of the Regional Coordinating Council’s commitment to working with the private sector, educational institutions and development partners to promote investment, technological advancement, skills development and inclusive economic growth.

He urged participants to use the summit to build partnerships, exchange knowledge and develop practical solutions, while encouraging young innovators to dream boldly and embrace continuous learning.

VTIS is expected to return later in 2026 as a platform connecting innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, researchers, educators and young people, with organisers seeking to position the Volta Region as a leading innovation hub in Ghana and beyond.