Hi, I'm

Derek Oware

Senior Full-Stack Developer

Building elegant solutions with modern web technologies

View My WorkGet In Touch

About Me

I'm a senior full-stack developer known for solving complex technical challenges that others can't crack, even in unfamiliar languages or frameworks. Whether it's web scraping and video processing, intelligent scheduling algorithms, or real-time systems, I thrive on problems that require deep thinking and thoughtful architecture.

With 5 years of experience, I've built diverse applications from AI-powered SaaS products to marketplace platforms. My experience spans agency work with 10+ client projects, co-founding a food delivery startup, and freelance automation systems. I love planning solutions thoroughly before writing code, ensuring both clean architecture and exceptional user experiences.

Beyond web development, I'm exploring game development with Unreal Engine and UEFN. I'm constantly experimenting with new technologies, building side projects, and diving deep into AI integration and system design. I learn by reading documentation first, then building hands-on demos to master new concepts.

Location

Takoradi, Ghana

Derek Oware

Skills & Technologies

Frontend

  • React
  • Next.js
  • TypeScript
  • Tailwind CSS
  • Redux
  • Zustand
  • React Query
  • Framer Motion

Backend

  • Node.js
  • Express
  • RESTful APIs
  • tRPC
  • GraphQL
  • PostgreSQL
  • MongoDB
  • Prisma

Tools & Others

  • Git
  • Docker
  • AWS
  • Vercel
  • Jest
  • Playwright
  • Figma
  • CI/CD

Featured Projects

Adcraft - Video Ad Generator

Adcraft - Video Ad Generator

Built an AI-powered SaaS platform that automates video ad creation for social media sellers. The system scrapes product images and videos from e-commerce URLs using Puppeteer, generates AI-powered scripts, and creates voice-overs with Eleven Labs. Features include customizable media selection, automated video rendering with FFmpeg, and Paystack payment integration. Generates professional ads in 30-60 seconds for $0-30 depending on the number of ads generated.

Next.jsTypeScriptNest.jsMongoDBPuppeteerFFmpegEleven Labs APIPaystack
Live Demo
Brilla - AI Study Assistant

Brilla - AI Study Assistant

Built an intelligent study platform for college students that processes PDF, DOCX, and TXT documents with advanced document parsing (pdf-parse, mammoth, docx). Features include interactive document preview with text highlighting, OpenAI-powered Q&A on study material, auto-generated quizzes and flashcards for revision, and AI-generated summaries. Integrated Supabase for authentication and storage, AWS S3 for document management, and Resend for email notifications. Instant AI responses provide seamless learning experience.

Next.jsTypeScriptSupabaseOpenAIAWS S3PDF-ParseMammothResend
Live Demo
Handymen - Smart Service Booking

Handymen - Smart Service Booking

Developed a sophisticated scheduling system for home service bookings with intelligent provider-to-customer matching. Implemented time-slot conflict resolution algorithms, automated availability checking, and smart painter prioritization based on multiple factors (availability, workload distribution, proximity). Built RESTful APIs for availability management and booking requests with real-time slot recommendations when exact matches aren't available. Features include provider dashboard for availability management, customer booking interface, and automatic assignment logic with fallback to closest available slots.

Next.jsTypeScriptNest.jsPrismaPostgreSQLReact
Live DemoSource Code

Experience

Senior Full-Stack Developer

Welite

Remote • Dec 2021 - Present

  • Built 10+ client projects from scratch across e-commerce, SaaS, dashboards, and tracking systems under NDA
  • Served as technical lead for complex problem-solving across projects, performing code reviews and architecture decisions
  • Led major optimization initiatives on legacy codebases, reducing load times and improving performance metrics
  • Migrated large JavaScript codebases to TypeScript, improving code quality and maintainability
  • Mentored new developers during onboarding and collaborated on completing critical project deliverables
Next.jsTypeScriptReactNest.jsNode.jsReduxZustandPostgreSQLMongoDBAWSSocket.iotRPCIndexedDB

Co-Founder & CTO

Dishplug

Ghana • Oct 2022 - Apr 2024

  • Co-founded food delivery platform connecting campus vendors with students across multiple universities
  • Built complete technical infrastructure including customer web app, vendor admin panel, and rider mobile app
  • Implemented real-time order tracking system with GraphQL API, Firebase, and Socket.io for live updates
  • Integrated Google Maps API for location services, route optimization, and delivery tracking
  • Managed operations including vendor onboarding, order fulfillment, and delivery coordination
Next.jsTypeScriptGraphQLApollo ServerReact NativeFirebaseMongoDBSocket.ioGoogle Maps APIPaystack

Full-Stack Developer

Freelance Developer

Remote • Nov 2020 - Jul 2024

  • Fixed OAuth authentication bug for fintech client using banking API with JWT integration
  • Automated digital store sales with Steam login automation and 2FA handling via Google Email API
  • Developed animated landing page with SEO and accessibility optimization achieving 95+ Lighthouse score
  • Built Facebook automation bot for real-time post engagement with auto-like and contextual commenting
  • Created Chrome extension with engagement tracking system using PostgreSQL and IndexedDB for dual-storage
TypeScriptReactNode.jsPostgreSQLChrome Extensions APIOAuthGoogle APIsAutomation

Get In Touch

I'm always open to discussing new projects, creative ideas, or opportunities to be part of your visions. Feel free to reach out!

Location

Takoradi, Ghana