© Richard Apedo Zaforyi (left) and Victor Yaw Morgan
“GFA has been a gateway for my future” - Interview with our graphic designers Richard and Victor
For GFA Consulting Group, decentralisation and local roots are not just buzzwords, but a living reality: the on-site presence in markets and regions creates valuable networks and collaborations that not only have a positive impact on local people, but also improve the way GFA works. One example is the collaboration with two freelance graphic designers from Ghana: Richard Apedo Zaforyi (29, on the photo left) and Victor Yaw Morgan (28) reliably provide professional layouts, creative designs and smart info graphics for a variety of GFA publications.
Richard, Victor – when and how did you find your way to GFA?
Victor: I started working with GFA in August 2024 after being recommended and introduced by my friend Richard…
Richard: …and I myself found my way to GFA Consulting Group also through a personal recommendation. A German PhD student, who was one of my clients introduced me to David Jebens, GFA's Regional Business Development Coordinator for West Africa. I had the opportunity to meet David in Accra, and this marked the beginning of my connection with GFA. I officially started my first project there in December 2022, and it has been an amazing journey since then. Working for GFA has been a remarkable experience, providing me with opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects while growing professionally.
So, you gained new experiences, opportunities or perspectives by working for GFA
Richard: Yes, GFA has been a gateway to my future. I started working with GFA as a freelancer just two months after completing my National Service from the university, and it remains the first international company I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with. Working with GFA has significantly sharpened my attention to detail and expanded my understanding of international design standards. The opportunity to collaborate on diverse projects has not only improved my technical skills but also enhanced my ability to create culturally sensitive designs that resonate with a global audience. This experience has been transformative, opening doors to other international collaborations and inspiring me to pursue greater heights in my career. GFA has truly been instrumental in shaping my professional growth and broadening my perspective as a graphic designer.
Victor: The same for me. Working with GFA has broadened my perspective on the role of design in international cooperation. I’ve learned to adapt my creative processes to meet the needs of a global audience and gained insight into how visual communication supports large-scale initiatives. I believe these experiences will open doors to new networks and opportunities.
How does working for a large consulting firm in the area of international cooperation differ in practice from other clients, e.g. in terms of work processes, time management, standards?
Victor: This collaboration is unique and new because the clients I have prior to working with GFA are mostly small-scale clients. Now working with a huge international company like GFA has opened my eyes to a more structured approach to project execution. I always follow a due process when working on tasks that have been assigned to me. I have also learned to manage my time well considering the different time zones. This level of professionalism has been a great learning experience and has helped me refine my processes.
Richard: Working with GFA stands out due to their structured processes, high standards, and international scope. Their detailed feedback and clear expectations ensure precision in every project. Time management is crucial, as projects often involve multiple stakeholders in different time zones, requiring flexibility and excellent communication.
How would you put it: What is generally important for a good and efficient cooperation between you as graphic designers and clients such as GFA?
Victor: I think clear communication and mutual understanding is very necessary for a successful collaboration – here, it helps a lot if you have a contact person on site for onboarding purposes, for example. It’s also important to establish goals and expectations as graphic designers and to maintain open lines of feedback throughout the project.
Richard: A good and efficient cooperation between graphic designers and clients like GFA is built on quality, trust, open communication, and a willingness to explore creative possibilities. For me, working with GFA is not just about delivering quality designs; it is about understanding and aligning with their design culture and corporate communication goals on a deeper level. I believe that being entrusted with more projects will enable me to fully immerse myself in GFA’s creative ecosystem. This will allow me to expand my skill set, gain a broader understanding of their communication strategies, and adapt to the nuances of their international brand. Each new opportunity helps me push creative boundaries while contributing to GFA’s goals with fresh and impactful designs.
You have already completed numerous projects with GFA – do you have a favourite product or a project that has particularly stuck in your mind? And what would you like to implement creatively with us?
Victor: That would be so hard to choose. I do not have a particular favourite, but so far in general I like to work on projects where I have to come up with new ideas and even to the extent where I am given some creative freedom to execute the project, as compared to working on templates. Seeing the final product and the positive reception it receives after feedback is always very rewarding.
Richard: Several projects with GFA have left a lasting impression on me. One of the most remarkable was the GFA Sustainability Report, 2023. I worked on this around November 2024, and it was the first ever sustainability report I have worked on. I have seen several sustainability reports and I have been patiently waiting for the opportunity to design one myself. Additionally, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed creating the infographics. They are a powerful way to simplify complex information and present it in a visually engaging and impactful manner. I have learned this from GFA and always advise other clients to break down their complex content into simple infographics and charts for easy comprehension.
In the gallery you can see Richard and Victor at work, and together with GFA's Reginal Business Developer David Jebens.
