Ghanaian-born tech expert Dr. Daniel Teye Ocansey, who rose from humble beginnings in Ashaiman to lead AI projects at Intel, is set to share valuable insights on technology and artificial intelligence at the 2025 College of Science graduation ceremony at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
As a guest speaker, his discussion will focus on key areas within the tech industry and explore how young Ghanaians and Africans can make a global impact, regardless of their backgrounds.
Amid a time when many young people from Ashaiman are drawn to fast-paced lifestyles, Dr. Ocansey stands out as an exemplary figure who has chosen a meaningful and purposeful path. His inspirational story of perseverance and success serves as a powerful blueprint for overcoming adversity.e face of adversity.
Fully aware of the dangers that surrounded him while growing up, he was determined to lift himself from indignity. His resolve was unwavering — to chart a dignified path and help change the narrative about his community for the better.
Against all odds, Dr. Ocansey emerged like a chrysalis, building a career as a computer engineer, researcher, and entrepreneur. Today, he proudly represents Ghana as a Senior Software Engineer at Intel Corporation in the United States — a major global player in semiconductors, AI, and related technologies.
Dr. Daniel Ocansey’s journey, from his modest beginnings in Ashaiman to spearheading advanced AI initiatives at Intel, exemplifies hard work, determination, and innovation. His exceptional contributions as a scientist and innovator have earned him recognition within the upper echelons of the AI and tech community.
He is widely acknowledged for driving social impact through technology and serves as an inspiration for young people across the continent. His vision is to encourage Africans to look beyond the horizon and embrace the era of Industry 4.0.
Educational Background
Dr. Ocansey received a solid foundation in Science and Computing at Our Lady of Mercy (OLAM) Senior High School in Tema. He continued his education at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics.
Driven by his passion for solving complex data problems, he moved to the United States, where he earned a Master’s degree in Computational Data Science and Engineering. His pursuit of knowledge didn’t stop there; he overcame the challenges of doctoral studies and earned a PhD in the same field. His postgraduate specialization focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and High-Performance Computing (HPC), with an emphasis on developing scalable data-driven models for scientific and industrial applications.
Career Journey
In a relatively short amount of time, Dr. Ocansey has made remarkable strides in his field, quickly advancing to the role of Senior Software Engineer at Intel Corporation. In this position, he contributes to cutting-edge AI systems and computational frameworks applied across various sectors.
He boasts a rich portfolio with over a decade of experience in Python, cloud computing (AWS, Azure, GCP), data engineering, and the development of AI/ML models. He has built solutions that effectively integrate data science with practical business intelligence.
Before joining Intel, Dr. Ocansey worked with various organizations and startups focused on data automation, cloud integration, and AI innovation. He played key roles in system architecture, team leadership, and research development. Additionally, he is a founding member of Impact Solutions Consult, a software engineering and data analytics firm offering actionable solutions to businesses facing complex technological challenges.
Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Dr. Ocansey has excelled in entrepreneurship, establishing several notable technology ventures, including:
- EfiePro – A property management automation platform
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RoviaAI – A data and AI innovation firm driving intelligent enterprise insights
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Impact Solutions – A social innovation initiative empowering youth in technology and entrepreneurship
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DasyQuote – A creative platform that merges AI with motivational storytelling
Through these ventures, he continues to champion African-led innovation and the responsible use of emerging technologies. Often referred to as a coding wizard, he humorously states, “I can code myself out of anything.”
Achievements and Impact
Dr. Ocansey’s work demonstrates a unique balance of technical excellence and community impact. He has contributed to AI-driven research, cloud-native infrastructure, and enterprise software engineering, influencing sectors such as education, health, wellness, and sustainability. His efforts in AI research and scalable computing at Intel have been recognized for driving innovation and shaping strategic solutions in data engineering and automation.
Beyond his professional endeavors, he has trained and mentored numerous students and professionals in data science, machine learning, and cloud systems, bridging the gap between academic theory and practical industry application. He is well-respected in youth circles across Ghana for his humility, selflessness, and approachable personality. As a sought-after speaker and mentor, he frequently engages with students and professionals on lifelong learning, innovation, and the transformative power of AI and technology.
Personal Life and Values
Outside the realm of technology, Dr. Ocansey’s life is grounded in three guiding principles: faith, family, and service. He credits his mother for her unwavering strength and her belief in education, along with divine grace and perseverance, as key factors in shaping his journey.
He firmly believes that continuous learning, collaboration, and ethical innovation are essential for human advancement. His leadership philosophy is captured in his quote: “Innovation begins with curiosity, grows through collaboration, and endures through purpose.”
Despite his demanding schedule, he dedicates time to mentoring young Africans in STEM, encouraging them to embrace challenges, collaborate across disciplines, and create solutions that positively impact lives.
Dr. Daniel T. Ocansey exemplifies the extraordinary possibilities that emerge when passion meets persistence. His inspiring grass-to-grace story, from Ashaiman to leading AI-driven initiatives on the global stage, continues to motivate students, professionals, and dreamers across Africa and beyond.
He represents a new paradigm of African excellence—an innovative generation that is confident, grounded, and committed to shaping the future through technology, creativity, and purpose.
