Daniel McKorley crowned Most Influential Entrepreneur of All Time at 2025 EFG Awards

Business magnate and philanthropist Daniel McKorley has been honoured as the “Most Influential Entrepreneur of All Time” at the 15th Anniversary and Awards Ceremony of the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana (EFG).

The event took place on Friday, August 1, 2025, at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra.

The award celebrates decades of entrepreneurial leadership, innovation, job creation, and national development by Daniel McKorley, the Founder and Executive Chairman of the McDan Group of Companies—a Ghanaian conglomerate with footprints in logistics, aviation, shipping, construction, mining, salt production, agribusiness, and real estate.

He joined a distinguished list of honorees that evening, including:

  • Naa Prof. Edmund Nminyem Delle, CHIIR VIII of Rabito Clinic
  • Dr. Paul Kofi Fynn, Chancellor of Wisconsin International University College
  • Dr. Mrs. Kate Quartey-Papafio, CEO of Reroy Group
  • Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong, CEO of Special Group of Companies
  • Ms. Esther Cobbah, CEO of Stratcomm Africa
  • Mr. David Osei-Amankwah, CEO of David Walter Ghana Ltd., among others

In his acceptance speech, Daniel McKorley thanked Mr. Sam Ato Gaisie, the visionary founder of EFG, for consistently championing Ghanaian entrepreneurship.

He reflected on his journey and the obstacles many entrepreneurs still face.

“I came from very little—but what I had was a dream and a deep belief that Ghana is a land of opportunity,” he said. “Yes, it’s tough. But I’m happy to be in Ghana, to work here, and to believe that the future I hold for this country will surely be fulfilled.”

He encouraged fellow entrepreneurs and young Ghanaians to be bold, resilient, and hopeful, saying, “If you want it, fight for it. Ghana is waiting for you to rise.”

A lighter moment during the event drew smiles and applause when Dr. McKorley was asked why he stood at the edge of the stage to help his female staff up to join him.

He replied, “I’m a romantic man—and my disposition has always been to serve.”

Daniel McKorley is the first Ghanaian to own and operate a private jet terminal and oversees Africa’s largest salt mine.

Under his leadership, the McDan Group has established a presence in over 2,400 ports globally.

He holds a Diploma in Leadership from Lehigh University, a BSc and Executive MBA from GIMPA, and an honorary Doctorate from the London Business School.

He is also the founder of the McDan Foundation, which champions education, sports, and youth entrepreneurship.

Through initiatives like McDan Youth Connect and the McDan Entrepreneurship Challenge, he continues to empower a new generation of African entrepreneurs.

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A comfort zone keeps you trapped

A lot of the time, you don’t need miracles or complex solutions to get ahead. Something you need to do is to get out of your comfort zone. That comfort zone that makes you feel safe may be the biggest obstacle to your advancement. Get out of it and test the waters.
I find that most people want success, but they avoid discomfort. But guess what? Comfort feels good now, but it will cost you later. Career growth, sustainable wealth, and personal fulfilment—they all live outside your comfort zone.
I get it, it is extremely hard to leave our comfort zone and choose a different path to chase our dreams and achieve our goals. The process is often difficult and stressful until you reach a point where you feel fulfilled and satisfied.
But at the same time, it is highly rewarding. It teaches so much about things you didn’t even think you needed to know. It helps you get clarity in your mind about what you want and where you want to be.
If you consider taking this path, all you need is courage and preparation.
If you are already working towards achieving your dreams, I respect and support you with all my heart.
If you are in a stage where things feel unbearable or too difficult, remind yourself that this is an essential part of the process to learn and improve.
I’m doing the same, as I have done many times before in my life. When you look at my portfolio, you’d realise that I have made strategic investments in Shipping, Freight Forwarding, Customs Clearance, Cargo and Port Handling, Transportation, Fixed Based Operations, Real Estate, Construction, Civil Engineering, Agriculture, and Salt Production.
I did all that because sometimes, you have to take risks to see how far you can go. A comfort zone keeps you trapped in the same stagnant place. If you don’t take a chance, you will never explore your potential. Be okay with failure. Be fine with mistakes. They are part of the process. Learn and grow from it.
This is the way.
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Humility, respect, confidence and interest.

When meeting someone for the first time, the way you present yourself speaks volumes about your character. If you are seated when an introduction occurs, it is a sign of respect and courtesy to rise to your feet. Standing up demonstrates that you acknowledge the other person’s presence and value the interaction. As you extend your hand, ensure your handshake is firm—this conveys confidence and sincerity. A weak handshake can come across as disinterest, while an overly strong grip may seem aggressive; aim for balance.
Eye contact is equally important. Looking the person directly in the eyes as you greet them establishes a connection and signals engagement. It shows you are present in the moment and genuinely interested in the introduction. Repeating their name twice reinforces your attentiveness and helps in remembering their name, which makes future interactions smoother. People appreciate when their names are remembered—it makes them feel valued and respected.
Altogether, these actions—standing up, a firm handshake, direct eye contact, and name repetition—reflect humility, respect, confidence, and interest. They set the foundation for meaningful conversations and strong relationships, whether in professional or social settings. Mastering these simple gestures will leave a lasting positive impression on those you meet.

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Swallow the frog for your boss

One career concept I always like to give to young professionals who are trying to be successful in life: “Swallow the frog for your boss.”
Here’s what I mean by that:
a. Observe your boss.
b. Figure out what they hate doing.
c. Learn to do it.
d. Take it off their plate.
We all know that every boss has that one thing they really dislike—whether it’s putting together reports, scheduling endless meetings, chasing down approvals, or handling some mundane administrative tasks. It can be frustrating for them, and these responsibilities often weigh heavily on their time.
Your role? Pay attention and be observant. Look for those tasks that seem to burden your boss, and consider how you can step in to make their life a little easier.
Once you’ve identified a task, don’t wait for them to hand it to you. Approach them with compassion and say, “I’ve noticed this takes a lot of your time—would it help if I took care of it for you?” And then, genuinely take on that responsibility.
Why does this matter? You’re doing more than just completing duties; you’re alleviating a pressure point for your boss. By freeing up their time, you allow them to focus on the bigger picture while also showing that you genuinely care about the team’s success.
If you make this a consistent practice, you’ll likely notice something wonderful: your boss starts to rely on you more. You become the person they trust, the one they can count on to lighten their load. And when new opportunities for growth or promotions come along, who do you think will be at the forefront of their mind?
It’s not merely about having all the answers; it’s about being a helpful and dedicated team member. By offering to help with the tasks your boss finds daunting, you not only advance your career but also foster a supportive and collaborative work environment.
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McDan retains CISCM ‘Man of the Year’ honour

The Executive Chairman of the McDan Group of Companies, Daniel McKorley has retained his honour as the Chartered Institute of Supply Chain Management (CISCM) ‘Man of the Year.’ 2024.

This solidifies his status as a key figure in transforming Africa’s supply chain landscape, highlighting his continued leadership and underscores his vital role in driving innovation, infrastructure development, and regional trade growth across the continent as an imminent Member of CISCM.

The CISCM ‘Man of the Year’ recognition is presented to individuals who demonstrate transformative and reformative leadership and create sustainable impact within the progressive supply management environment -Integrated Supply Chain Management (ISCM).

 

 

As a pioneer in logistics and trade facilitation, Dr McKorley has been celebrated for his unwavering commitment to modernizing Africa’s supply chain networks, positioning the continent to compete more effectively in the global marketplace.

His repeated recognition reflects sustained excellence and a resilient drive to overcome key challenges in today’s volatile and uncertain Economic and Business environment, including logistic bottlenecks, technological gaps, Professional ineptitude and cross-border trade barriers.

President of CISCM, Richard Obeng Okrah, commended Dr McKorley’s lasting influence. He said: “Dr McKorley’s contributions go beyond business achievement; it’s about transforming Africa’s future. His innovative strategies and steadfast commitment make him a well-deserved repeat honoree.”

A Legacy of Excellence

At the forefront of McDan Group, Dr McKorley has driven initiatives that are reshaping Africa’s supply chain infrastructure; a standout achievement is the creation of cutting-edge logistic hubs, such as the state-of-the-art McDan Logistics Hub in Tema – Ghana.

This facility has become a crucial hub for regional trade, offering advanced warehousing, real-time tracking systems, and multimodal transport solutions to streamline cargo movement across West Africa.

Under his visionary leadership, McDan Shipping has emerged as a leading maritime logistics provider, significantly reducing transit times and costs for businesses relying on Africa’s transport corridors.

Celebrating Excellence Across the Africa Continent

In addition to Dr. Daniel McKorley’s recognition, the 2024 CISCM Night spotlighted a diverse range of leaders and institutions who have thrived in Integrated Supply Chain Management.

Director General of Ghana Prisons Service, Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, also emerged as the 2024 CISCM Woman of the Year.

This recognition acknowledges her exceptional leadership and dedication to integrated supply chain management in both the public and private sectors.

Her fortitude lies in using the 17 CISCM value streams to create effective collaboration and integration between the public and public institutions and the public and private sectors for effective stakeholder value.

Other Recognitions:

Professional of the Year: Dr. Jennifer Bruce-Konuah; Practitioner of the Year: Seth Adu-Baah; Green Member of the Year: Bethel Yeboah; Student of the Year: Franklina Wilson-Aforo; Overall Best Organisation: Volta River Authority; Academic Institution of the Year: Koforidua Technical University;

CISCM Special Recognition – Meritorious Order of Service to

Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah (Posthumous Honour) for his foundational role into Integrated Supply Chain Management ideals; Prof. Joshua Alabi for his transformational leadership through the use of Integrated Supply Chain Management ideals at the University of Professional Studies, Accra; Dr. Kofi Asamoah for his sterling performance in Ports and Harbours Operations and Management. Additional his exceptional leadership in labour unionism around the globe.

West Africa Category

Institution of Excellence Transportation: Bethel Logistics Limited; Institution of Excellence Health & Medicine: University of Ghana Medical Centre; Institution of Excellence Trade & Services: Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company – WAC

Africa Category

Institution of the Year (Extractions Industry): Tullow Ghana Limited and Institution of the Year (Consumption Market) – Downstream: Coastal Bottlers, Kenya

CISCM Value Streams Category

Best Organisation – Legal & Contracts: Tullow Ghana Limited; Best Organisation – Sourcing, Acquisitions & Procurement: Tullow Ghana Limited; Best Organisation – Operations & Controls: Volta River Authority; Best Organisation – Leadership & Governance: Tullow Ghana Limited; Best Organisation – International Trade: B5 Plus Group; Best Organisation – Distribution Chain: Bethel Logistics; Best Organisation – Ports Operations & Management: McDan Group; Best Organisation – Innovations & Business Development: McDan Group; Best Organisation – Sustainability: Equatorial Coca Cola Bottling Company – WAC; Best Organisation – Human Capital: Ghana National Petroleum Corporation; Best Organisation – Transport & Ancillary Services: Eolis Shipping Ghana Limited

CISCM Order of Service – Meritorious Recognition

Miss Winifred Addo for dedicated to work and long service; Kwame Agati (Esq) for developing the foundational legal structures for the Institute; Prof. Jonathan Teye Opata for harmonising the definition of CISCM’s Integrated Supply Chain Management; Hannah Boahemaa Otu for effectively implementing the structures of the Women in Supply Chain Management wing of CISCM.

The event was attended by many high powered dignitaries including the representative of the Akwamuhene Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III (Chairman), the representative of The Speaker of Parliament of the Republic of Ghana, Nsiah Mohammed (Parliamentary Services), The representative Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana Court of Appeal Judge, Justice Christopher Archer, and The Minister for land and Natural resources Emmanuel Armah- Kofi Buah; and Justice Baffoe Bonnie, a Supreme Court Judge and the Husband of the Director General of Ghana Prisons Service, who was adjudged CISCM Woman of the Year 2024.

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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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