By Desmond Darko, Founder and CEO of Young Dee Group
Desmond Darko is a Ghanaian entrepreneur whose story embodies resilience, integrity, and relentless hard work. From very humble beginnings—selling roasted plantain to support his mother and taking on roles in farming, fishing, hunting, gardening, petty trading, and domestic service he refused to let circumstance define his future. Though he left school early, his character and integrity became the bedrock of his success.
Desmond’s break came at Shell Ghana, where he started as a pump attendant and, through unwavering commitment, rose within six years to supervisor and then station manager. He became known for turning around underperforming fuel stations, restoring profitability and operational discipline culminating in his appointment to manage the #1 Shell filling station in West Africa: the KIA Shell Filling Station.
Today, as Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Young Dee Group, Desmond leads a diversified business with interests in real estate, car rentals, oil & gas services, fuel-station construction, and business consulting. He champions a values-driven culture putting God first, upholding integrity, and building enterprises that create jobs and empower livelihoods. His leadership philosophy is simple and steadfast: excellence with ethics.
Areas of Expertise
- Business Counselling & Consulting
Diagnostics and actionable strategies across finance, operations, marketing, HR, and customer experience.
Example: Identifying why a retail outlet’s sales are declining and implementing pricing, branding, and customer-engagement fixes. - Entrepreneurship Development
Training and mentorship in idea validation, business planning, funding readiness, pitching, and founder resilience. - Leadership & Team Building
Coaching in vision, communication, decision-making, emotional intelligence, and cohesive team design. - Problem Identification & Strategic Solutioning
Rapid assessment, root-cause analysis, and execution playbooks that deliver measurable results. - Social Impact & Giving Back
Practical initiatives that translate business growth into community benefits.
Key Achievements
- Revitalised multiple non-operational Shell fuel stations and returned them to sustained profitability.
- Built and leads Young Dee Group, active in land acquisition, agency banking services, car rentals, and fuel-station construction.
- Created direct employment opportunities for Ghanaians while strengthening local supply chains.
- Recognised for unyielding ethical standards proving that lasting success rests on God first, integrity, and perseverance.
Young Dee Group Core Services
- Land Acquisition & Sales
- Business Consulting
- Agency Banking Services
- Car Rentals & Mobility
- Fuel-Station Construction (EPC & Fit-Out)
Personal Philosophy
“Unemployment is not just the absence of work; it is a free space where creativity can begin to grow.” — Desmond Darko
