We can’t keep driving luxury cars while widows continue to suffer – McDan

The Chief Executive Officer of McDan Group, Dr Daniel McKorley has urged philanthropists, non-governmental organizations, and corporate institutions to expand their social responsibility initiatives to support widows across the country.

Dr McKorley emphasized that individuals who are privileged have a duty to assist the less fortunate, especially given the current economic challenges.

He pointed out that it is futile to drive luxury cars while widows continue to suffer in communities nationwide.

He made these comments in an interview with the Daily Graphic during the 2025 McDan Foundation Widows Support Project, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme of the McDan Group, which took place at Mantse Agbonaa in James Town, Accra, on Sunday, March 9, 2025.

“I challenge those who want to help widows to come forward and offer their support,” he said. “I also hope other NGOs will join in to assist those in need, as they truly deserve our help.”

“We can’t keep driving our luxury cars while our mothers and sisters are suffering in our communities. It just doesn’t make sense. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to reach this point in life have a responsibility to support the less privileged so that God will continue to bless us,” Dr. McKorley said.

He added, “While I am excited about this project, it also makes me sad. When you look around and see how many people are struggling in this country, it’s heartbreaking. Everyone needs help, and in truth, we all need help,” he stressed.

Touching lives

Mr McKorley expressed his joy at being able to bring together thousands of widows to celebrate International Women’s Day while bringing smiles to their faces.

He emphasized that the McDan Foundation considers it essential to support widows in order to alleviate poverty and end their suffering across the nation.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to support my mothers, aunties and sisters here in Accra during this celebration. I was born and raised here, and these people know me as one of their own, so it’s my duty to bring this humanitarian project to James Town.”

“I’m equally excited about the health screening taking place today. They are being screened for various conditions, given medication and we will follow up with financial support for those with serious health issues,” he said.

“The McDan Foundation has been supporting widows since its inception, and we will continue to do so. We’ve reached several regions, but today, we’ve chosen to bring our efforts to James Town. Widows are often overlooked in society, but for me, every widow in Ghana is like a sister, so I’m truly grateful to be here celebrating this day with them,” Mr McKorley added.

He concluded by revealing that the next project will be held in the Ashanti, Northern, Volta and Wetern regions.

The Widow’s Project

Over 6,000 widows from 15 communities in the Greater Accra Region received both health and economic support at the 2025 McDan Foundation Widows Support Project organized in partnership with RIDNE Food Consortium, a Ukrainian food and agriculture company, for this year’s event.

The McDan Foundation hosts this annual event in celebration of International Women’s Day and to provide economic relief to widows across the country.

Starting at 8 am, the enthusiastic crowd, including some of who have been widows for more that two decades, gathered from communities such as Atukpai, Chorkor, Lante Maamli, Swalaba, Mantse Agbonaa, Mamprobi, Korle Gonnor, Bukom, Sempe, Akoto Lante, Faase, Osu, Teshie, and La to take part in the event.

Items worth millions of Ghana cedis were presented to the beneficiaries, including 5kg bags of rice each, assorted soft drinks, packs of biscuits, and packs of salt from the Ada Songor Salt Project by Electrochem Ghana Limited.

Additionally, special boxes of items, packaged by RIDNE Food Consortium, were distributed to the widows. These boxes contained wheat flour, canned turkey meat, canned sardines, pasta, dry peas, cookies, sunflower oil, rice cakes, and condensed canned milk.

Health screening

The event also featured a health screening exercise, where over 2,000 women, men, and children with various health conditions were screened.

The McDan Foundation collaborated with the VIVA Health Foundation, a team of doctors and nurses, to carry out the screenings for the large crowd that gathered at the venue.

Sheba Fiadzumor, an Emergency Physician at the 37 Military Hospital and a member of the VIVA Health Foundation, shared with the Daily Graphic that her team had conducted eye screenings, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) checks, dental care, diet consultations and screenings for other health issues.

Dignitaries

The well-attended event attracted dignitaries from various fields including Chief Executive Officer of the McDan Group of Companies, Dr Daniel McKorley and his wife, Mrs Abigail McKorley together with their children and other family members.

Also in Attendance were the CEO of the RIDNE Food Consortium, Oleksii Khvorostianyi and his deputy, Sergii  Kovalchuk together with representatives from the Ukranian Embassy in Accra.

The rest were Sempe Mantse, Nii Adotey Otintor II, Ga Noryaa Manye, Naa Ahemah Okropong, Mamprobi Manye, Naa Adukwei Suomor, Abola Manye, Naa Okaitsoo IV, Sempe Shipi, Nii Adotey Dzata I, Former Greater Accra Regional Minister, Nii Armah Ashitey,  Former Mayor of Accra, Alfred Okoe Vanderpuye, Former Member of Parliment for Manhyia South Collins Amankwah and Marketing Manager of Graphic Communications Group Ltd, Franklin Sowah.

Appreciation

A widow from Chorkor, Mary Oforiquaye, was moved to tears as she shared the daily struggles of raising her four children after the death of her husband 12 years ago.

“May the Spirit of God bless McDan every day of his life. This man is a treasure to widows, and I pray that God’s blessings be abundant in his life,” she said tearfully.

Sophia Okaitsoo Attoh from Atukpai, who lost her husband eight years ago, also expressed her gratitude: “I commit McDan into the hands of the Most High God. May God strengthen him and provide all his needs so that he can continue supporting us.”

Sharon Bortey Clottey, 38, from Atukpai, who lost her husband in 2021, shared that she was moved to tears when Dr Daniel McKorley arrived to greet them before the distribution of items.

“If every business owner in Ghana supported widows the way this man is doing, we wouldn’t be as miserable as we are. We wouldn’t feel the pain of losing our husbands or struggle to care for our children. May God bless him beyond measure, and I pray others follow in his footsteps,” she said.

Source : Graphic Online

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McDan donates food items to thousands of widows in Accra

Dr Daniel McKorley, Chairman of the McDan Group of Companies, demonstrated his commitment to giving back to society through the McDan Foundation.

This time, he presented food items to thousands of widows in Accra, in collaboration with RIDNE Food Consortium of Ukraine.

The donation, which included cartons of assorted food items such as wheat flour, canned turkey meat, and rice, was presented to the beneficiaries at Mantse Agboena, James Town in Accra.

Dr McKorley expressed his satisfaction at being able to put smiles on the faces of the less privileged in society.

“My heart always gets gladdened when I see the poor very excited, and you know where I come from and where I stand in this country when it comes to giving back to Mother Ghana and to the various communities,” Dr McKorley stated.

The McDan Group has been engaged in Corporate Social Responsibility for the past 20 years, and this donation is part of their ongoing efforts.

Dr McKorley noted that “Life is difficult, the system is difficult, and the economy is difficult, and widows are one forgotten people in this country, so if you asked me, I am very excited to celebrate the whole day with them.”

The Commercial Director of RIDNE Food Consortium, Mr Sergii Kovalchuk, expressed his outfit’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities in Ghana and Ukraine with food items to promote an inclusive society.

He was optimistic about further partnership with the McDan group to combine products from both countries for food production in Ghana.

The beneficiary widows expressed gratitude to McDan and its partners for the support.

The initiative is expected to be extended to other parts of the country soon.

In addition to the food donation, medical officers from VIVA Health and Medical Foundation conducted health screening exercises for the widows and residents of James Town and its environs.

The screening included Body Mass Index checking, malaria testing, and blood pressure checking, among others.

Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications were dispensed freely to those diagnosed with ailments.

This year’s edition of the McDan Widows Support Project coincided with the 2025 edition of the International Women’s Day celebration.

Source : Ghana News

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There’s no shame in doing odd jobs to fix your life — McDan to Ghanaian youth

Businessman Daniel McKorley, known as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the McDan Group, has admonished young adults to take on jobs no matter what.

He argues that any job that puts food on the table must not be looked down upon.

McDan, who is a serial entrepreneur, noted that people mostly judge jobs but people’s judgement won’t take care of you so what they think of particular jobs must not be of concern.

Making this position known in a post shared via social media, McDan as he is popularly called said “As a young adult, there’s no shame in doing odd jobs to fix your life. People will talk but no one will save you.

“Work is work. It doesn’t have to be glamorous. Don’t be embarrassed by the work that you do. If it puts food in the fridge, a roof over your head, and helps you take care of yourself and your family, then embrace it. People’s judgement won’t take care of you and neither will their praise.”

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McDan Group signs MoU with Kenya to facilitate trading under AfCFTA

The Executive Chairman of the McDan Group, Dr. Daniel McKorley, is optimistic that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between McDan Group and the government of Kenya will yield significant results in the implementation of the AfCFTA.
Dr. McKorley believes that this move will result in a financial turnover of about $1 billion as his organisation positions itself as a key player in facilitating the seamless movement of goods across the continent under the free trade pact.

In an interview with CNBC Africa, the McDan Group Chairman explained that they are making strategic investments in port infrastructure and logistics, particularly in Kenya, as part of efforts to bridge trade gaps and overcome existing barriers between West and East Africa, specifically between Ghana and Kenya.

“The MoU is intended to facilitate business between the countries, and it is quite comprehensive. We are moving almost 100 containers with an annual turnover of about US$1 billion. However, it involves more support services for each country, which is why it is bilateral,” he said.He emphasised that infrastructure remains a key component of implementing trade activities under AfCFTA, adding that making these investments is crucial for the successful movement of goods and services across the continent.

As a free trade area connecting 1.3 billion people across 55 countries, with a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of US$3.4 trillion, the AfCFTA, which is headquartered in Ghana, promises immense new markets, accelerated industrialisation, and fresh investment opportunities.

Source : Ghana Web

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McDan advocates reduction in cost of cargo to improve AfCFTA implementation

Daniel McKorley, Group Chairman of the McDan Group of Companies, has strongly advocated for finding innovative solutions to reduce the cost of cargo and improve intra-African trade on the continent at the ongoing AfCFTA meeting in Kigali.

He emphasised that improving intra-African trade relies on enhancing logistical support for moving goods within the continent with less stress and cost to customers.

The Group CEO of McDan Companies made these statements on Friday, October 11, 2024, during a plenary discussion on the topic “Leveraging Trading Companies and Strategic Partnerships for Intra-African Trade,” monitored by Nyansa TV at the ongoing AfCFTA meeting at the Kigali Convention Centre.

In addressing the challenges of intra-African trade, Mr. McKorley disclosed his company’s plans to launch Black Star Line and the Black Shipping Company by acquiring two cargo planes and a vessel to initiate the process.

He asserted, “Whoever controls the air and sea controls the business. It is crucial for us to take action and implement solutions.”

He added, “It is unacceptable that in the 21st century, cargo from Ghana to Senegal, for example, must go through Belgium before reaching Senegal. These challenges inflate cargo costs, impeding business growth in Africa.”

McKorley believed that for the Continental Free Trade to succeed, it is vital for African governments and businesses to address logistical challenges.

To address this, he stated, “We are establishing warehouses across the continent to ensure goods move efficiently, with proper customs procedures and freight rates. Let’s think globally and act locally.”

The plenary discussions were moderated by Mr. Godfred Mutziwa (Journalist, CNBC Africa), with Dr. Paul Adalikwu (Secretary General, MOWCA) opening the session. Speakers included Mr. Daniel McKorley (McDan Group), Mr. Felix Chege (CEO, Real Resources), Ms. Nevine Nakhla (El Gondy Trading Company), Ms. Babalwa Ngonyama (Global CEO, Sinayo Group), Dr. Fareed Kwesi Arthur (Coordinator, Ghana National AfCFTA Coordinating Office), and Mr. Rahul Mittal (Director Intra Africa Sales, Arise).

The second edition of the AfCFTA Business Forum, known as “Biashara Afrika 2024 (#BA 2024),” is taking place at the Kigali Convention Centre. It began on October 9 and is scheduled to conclude on October 11, 2024, under the patronage of the Rwandan President, H. E. Paul Kagame.

This year’s theme, ‘Dare to Invent the Future of the AfCFTA,’ #BA2024 aims to facilitate discussions between African public and private sectors, multinationals, and key stakeholders on the challenges and opportunities of building regional and continental value chains and establishing reliable supply chain networks to unlock the full potential of intra-African trade.

Source : Ghana Web

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Let’s think globally and act locally – Group Chairman of McDan Group posits at AfCFTA meeting

The Group Chairman of the McDan Group of Companies, Daniel McKorley, has strongly made a case at the ongoing AfCFTA meeting in Kigali, on finding ingenious solutions to reducing the cost of cargo and improving intra-African trade on the continent.

He emphasised that improving Intra-African trade hinges on the improvement of logistical support for goods to be moved within the continent with less stress and cost to the customer.

The Group CEO of MacDan Companies made these remarks on Friday while contributing to a plenary discussion on the topic “Leveraging Trading Companies and Strategic Partnerships for Intra-African Trade”, monitored by Nyansa TV at the ongoing AfCFTA meeting being held at the Kigali Convention Centre in Kigali.

In tackling the problems associated with Intra-African trade, Mr. McKorley revealed his company’s intention of starting Black Star Line and the Black Shipping Company by procuring two cargo planes and a vessel.

“Whoever controls the air and controls the sea controls the business. It’s imperative and incumbent on us to start something. That is the solution we’re bringing into the business.

“It’s unthinkable that in the 21st century when cargo is being moved from Ghana to Senegal for example, it has to go through Belgium before coming back to Senegal. These are real problems that increase the cost of cargo, hindering business growth and development in Africa,” he stressed.

Mr. McKorley thought that for the Continental Free Trade to work and be successful, African governments and businesses needed to find logistical solutions to its problems.

To solve this, according to him, “we’re also building warehouses across the continent to make sure goods move at the right cost, customs and also at the right freight rate. Let’s think globally and act locally.”

The second edition of the AfCFTA Business Forum, dubbed “Biashara Afrika 2024 (#BA 2024)” is being held at the Kigali Convention Centre. It was scheduled from 9th to 11th October, 2024, under the patronage of the Rwandan President, H. E. Paul Kagame.This year’s edition, themed “Dare to Invent the Future of the AfCFTA” provided an engaging and dynamic platform for continued dialogue between African public and private sectors, multinationals, and key stakeholders regarding the challenges and opportunities in the process of building regional and continental value chains and establishing reliable supply chain networks, which are essential to unlocking the full potential of intra-African trade.

Source: JoyOnline

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McDan Entrepreneurship Challenge Season 2: Empowering startups and driving innovation

The McDan Entrepreneurship Challenge (MEC) is back for its second season, bringing a high-stakes 13-week reality TV show that aims to propel emerging businesses to new heights.

With a grand prize of $100,000 up for grabs, the competition is set to transform the fortunes of one exceptional startup, offering a life-changing opportunity to scale and grow.

Launched by Dr Daniel McKorley, Chairman of McDan Group, the MEC is a testament to his commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in Ghana.

Dr. McKorley’s vision is clear: to support young entrepreneurs and drive economic development through strategic mentorship, financial backing, and a platform to showcase innovative business ideas.

This season promises even more excitement, as a panel of seasoned judges evaluates the creativity, sustainability, and impact of each competing startup.Throughout the show, participants will face a series of challenges designed to test their business acumen, adaptability, and leadership skills.

They will also benefit from expert mentorship aimed at helping them refine their ideas and navigate the entrepreneurial journey.

More than just a competition, the MEC serves as an inspiring platform for viewers, offering valuable lessons in entrepreneurship, resilience, and strategic thinking.

The show is designed to entertain while educating aspiring business owners, shedding light on the realities of building a successful enterprise in today’s fast-paced market.

As Season 2 progresses, audiences will follow the journeys of these startups as they tackle obstacles, seize opportunities, and innovate their way toward success.

With the McDan Group’s commitment to driving change and fostering sustainable growth, the MEC continues to play a pivotal role in creating a vibrant ecosystem where startups can thrive and reach their full potential.

Source: JoyOnline

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McDan Donates Ghc 120,000 To La Traditional Council Towards 2024 Homowo Festival

The McDan Group of Companies has donated the sum of One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Cedis (GHC 120, 000) to the La Traditional Council ahead of the 2024 Homowo festival of the chiefs and people of La and its environs.

The donation, which is an annual gesture initiated by the founder of the McDan group, Dr Daniel McKorley is aimed at promoting the Ga-Dangme people, interests and cultural heritage.
Public Relations (PR) Executive of the Group, Jeffery Tetteh who presented the cheque on behalf of the Eexecutive Chairman of the McDan group assured of the commitment of the group towards supporting a successful festive season.

Receiving the cheque on behalf of the La Traditional Council, La Ashikitele, Nii Adjei Koofeh IV thanked the group and its founder for the continuous show of love and support to the council and the people of La.

He prayed for the God’s fovour and protection for McDan and the group.

In a related development, the Mcdan group also presented a cheque of Ghc 30, 000 to the Coalition of La Association, an umbrella body of various groupings within the La community.
President of the Association, Oscar Nii Odoi Glover thanked the group for the gesture.

The McDan group through its charity arm, the McDan Foundation has been involved in several corporate social responsibility activities including sponsorship of the Homowo Unity Cup.

Source : EagleGhana

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‘Leave the streets and come to my office for jobs’ — McDan to street hawkers

The founder of McDan Group of Companies, Dr. Daniel McKorley, has offered to give jobs to street hawkers in Accra instead of giving them money anytime they approach him.

The business mogul, popularly known as McDan, made the job offer when some street hawkers approached his car for money in a video circulating on social media.

The billionaire businessman and philanthropist is looking to provide sustainable employment and livelihood opportunities to the street hawkers rather than pamper them with handouts.

McDan has in the past sponsored the education and vocational training of thousands of underprivileged youth across Ghana.

“Come, I’ll give you jobs. The last time, I took you people to go and learn jobs, but only two people stayed over there.

“Very soon, I’ll stop giving you money. I need all of you out of the street. Come to my office next week,” McDan told the hawkers.

Source : ModernGhana

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1D1F is a brilliant policy but it should have been left for the private sector – McDan

The Executive Chairman of the McDan Group of Companies, Dr Daniel McKorley, is concerned about the implementation of the incumbent government’s flagship programme, One District One Factory (1D1F).

According to him, although it is a brilliant initiative, the government should have let the private sector take full charge of it to ensure its sustainability and success.

“One District One Factory (1D1F) is one of the brilliant ideas that this government came up with, but the implementation was wrong and I questioned it,” he said on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday.

He highlighted the crucial role that industry plays in any economy, noting that it is a sector that generates substantial employment opportunities.

According to Dr McKorley, for 1D1F to truly succeed, it must be treated as a business venture, driven by private sector expertise and entrepreneurship.

“If you look at our economy, what we need is industries. Industry is a whole chain that creates lots of jobs,” he said, emphasizing the importance of industrial development.

Dr McKorley suggested that the government should establish an Advisory Board composed of seasoned entrepreneurs who can provide valuable guidance on the viability of proposed projects under the policy.

This board, he believes, could offer crucial advice to prevent failures and ensure the success of the initiative.

“With the 1D1F, it is supposed to be left for the private sector, and an Advisory Board of people who have made it can advise and say ‘If you go here, you will fail,’” he proposed.

He further argued that private sector involvement is essential for protecting and sustaining the businesses created under the 1D1F policy.

Dr McKorley stressed that entrepreneurs with a vested interest in the industry would be more motivated to ensure the long-term success of these factories.

“1D1F needs to be run as a business. So put it in the hands of the private sector and they would protect the business.”

The One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative was launched by President Akufo-Addo to change the nature of Ghana’s economy from one which is dependent on the import and export of raw materials to one focused on manufacturing, value addition and export of processed goods.

The policy was also to support the private sector to establish at least one industrial enterprise in each of the administrative districts of the country.

The concept of the One District One Factory (1D1F), among other initiatives of the government, is designed to transform the industrial landscape of the country and build the capacities of local enterprises to produce quality products and services for both domestic and foreign markets.

However, the real value of the policy’s implementation has not been felt so far by industry and the citizenry.

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