At a time when most Junior High School students were preoccupied with classroom routines and weekend leisure, a young Ghanaian boy named Clifford Scott was quietly building the foundation of what would later become a remarkable digital career. Today, he stands tall among Ghana’s rising tech creators, an inspiration to young Africans hungry for opportunity in the world of content creation.
Clifford’s story is one of grit, curiosity and an uncommon determination to share knowledge. He recalls spending countless hours consuming tech content online during his early teens. It wasn’t just for entertainment but to educate himself in the process. Over time he had so much information at his fingertips that he felt compelled to share it with others, especially fellow Ghanaians who often found technology too complex or too foreign.
But as with most humble beginnings, Clifford had nothing, not even a phone of his own. He started by borrowing his mother’s phone to record tech explainer videos. His very first upload on YouTube, hit an unexpected 5,000 views within days, a moment that lit a fire in him and convinced him he had something worth giving to the world.
“I used to save the small money given to me for upkeep at school just to buy data so I could upload my videos on weekends,” he shared during this week’s CoolTechie live session on TikTok. It’s a sacrifice many young people can relate to, but few are disciplined enough to commit to.
A year to monetisation and a turning point
In less than a year, Clifford reached the YouTube Partner threshold and got monetised, an achievement some creators chase for three to five years.
That milestone became more than just a badge; it was validation. With his first earnings, he bought his first content-creation phone which was a Samsung S23, and decided he was never looking back.
Today, Clifford is pursuing a tech-related degree at the university, further grounding his knowledge and strengthening the quality of content he produces.
Short-form content being the game-changer
Although he started with long-form YouTube videos, Clifford doubled down in recent years on short-form content, distributing them on platforms like Instagram reels, TikTok and Snapchat, after realising how quickly they help creators reach new audiences.
This strategy worked. Even after his first TikTok account with over 66,000 followers got banned, he bounced back. With his brother’s encouragement, he opened a new account. Within six months, it had grown to over 100,000 followers.
“That moment taught me not to tie my value to a single setback,” he said. “Sometimes the downfall is preparing you for a better story.”
Challenges behind the shine
Clifford’s path has been inspiring but far from smooth. He battled:
- Lack of equipment which made him borrow his mum’s phone
- Burnout, especially while balancing academic life
- Platform instability, like the sudden TikTok account ban
- Misconceptions about tech creators, including claims that “tech guys do fraud” or “own every new gadget”
He laughed those stereotypes off during our conversation, clarifying: “Tech creators aren’t rich gadget collectors, we are problem solvers who break down complex things for ordinary people.”
Brand deals and breakthrough moments
One of Clifford’s turning points happened after his mentor, OboyPappy, advised him to optimise his bio with email and contact details. “Right after that, brands started reaching out,” he shared.
His biggest brand paycheck, earned two years ago, was a five-figure amount in US dollars. That moment proved that content creation, when done with consistency and value, can be financially empowering.
Who inspires him?
Locally, Clifford admires creators who are pushing Ghana’s tech storytelling forward, including:
- TechWithSeddyCole
- Shaun Armah
- Rick Acquah
- OboyPappy
Globally, his inspirations include heavyweights such as MrWhoseTheBoss and Marques Brownlee (MKBHD).
Lessons learnt and his advice to young creators
Looking back, Clifford only has one real regret: not starting short-form content earlier and not posting consistently during his early days. But he understands he did the best he could with what he had.
His message to young creators is simple and powerful: “Don’t wait for the perfect idea or equipment. Start with whatever you have. Post your first video. The journey becomes clearer once you begin.”
Why Clifford’s story matters to Ghana’s creator economy
Clifford represents a new wave of young African creators who are using technology, not just consuming it. His rise mirrors an emerging shift that Ghanaian creators are no longer waiting for perfect conditions, they’re creating their own opportunities.
His story also shows the economic potential in content creation. With consistency, creators can build communities, attract brand deals, earn global income and even shape the narrative of tech on the continent. Clifford is still early in his journey, but his trajectory signals one thing:
Africa’s next big tech storytellers are already here and they’re starting young.
About CoolTechie
CoolTechie is a Ghanaian digital media brand dedicated to making technology accessible, exciting and relatable for young Africans. Through articles, interviews, live sessions and creator-led conversations, the platform highlights how technology shapes careers, creativity and everyday opportunities. CoolTechie also uses its growing community of creators and tech enthusiasts to spotlight emerging talents, demystify digital tools and inspire the next generation of African innovators.
Lead Creator: PK Quaye
Email: [email protected]
Contact: 233573888813
The post The Creator Economy Desk with CoolTechie: From borrowed phone to making 5 figures in dollars: The inspiring rise of ghana’s young tech creator, Clifford Scott appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.
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