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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Ignore my death rumours, I’m alive – McDan

Executive Chairman of the McDan Group of companies, Dr Daniel McKorley, popularly known as McDan, has debunked negative claims about his health status.

The Ghanaian media space was recently awashed with sensationalism and rumour mongering to the effect that, Ghana’s shining business mogul and philantropist was paralysed, with some going to the extent that he is even dead.

Reacting to the misinformation in a viral video sighted by EAGLEGHANA.COM , the hale and hearty McDan believes it is only God who is shepheard and any man.

The business owner and entrepreneurial coach revealed in the video that he had just finished his usual exercise and is very fit as the fiddle, contrary to the negative rumours.

“Let me tell Ghanaians that they shouldn’t be worried. I’m alive, and I’m strong. It’s just a rumour.

“It’s only God who takes care of us. No man has power over us, so I’m strong. You can see I just finished playing tennis. I played one hour of tennis this morning. I’m looking okay,” he said.

He urged Ghanaians not to worry about his health and to ignore the ongoing rumours, adding that he would continue to serve them.

“So, Ghanaians shouldn’t worry. I know how much Ghanaians love me, and my love also goes out to them. Those who heard it and got worried shouldn’t be worried. I’m alive and very strong, and I’m still continuing the good things I’m doing for this country.”

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Miss 2024 Asafotu Finalists Contestants To Tour Electrochem Ghana and Nkyinkyim Museum

The ten contestants vying for the prestigious Miss Asafotu 2024 crown and prize are set to embark on a sightseeing trip to Electrochem Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of the McDan Group of Companies which is actively working to transform the Songor salt concession in Ada from its crude and artisanal state to a world-class salt mining site.

The trip which is slated for this Friday, July 26, 2024 will also take the contestants to the Nkyinkyim Museum at Nuhalenya-Ada, a tourist site that seamlessly combines African art, history and performance; intangible cultural heritage and tell stories and guides visitors towards restorative justice and healing from the legacies of African enslavement and colonialism.

This tour forms part of activities heralding the main pageant slated for Friday 2nd August, 2024 at ‘The Point’, Big Ada
The tour will begin at Electrochem Ghana Limited, where the contestants are expected to learn about the fascinating history of the Ada Songor Lagoon, its discovery by the indigenous people, the salt mining process and the transformation that has taken place following the acquistion of the concession by Electochem Ghana Limited.
They are expected to tour areas like the newly commissioned salt-washing plants, the restored lagoon, the company’s pump station, and many salt pans from which the salts are harvested, among others.

The train will then head for the Nkyinkyim Museum where the contestants will be given a glimpse of the harrowing tales of enslavement through through sculpture work.

Chairman for the 2024 Miss Asafotu Planning Committee, Mr. Henking Adjase-Kodjo said ‘This year’s pageant will clearly be different from the preceding editions, thanks to Eagle FM and Electrochem Ghana Limited. We are going all out to elevate the reposition the pageant and make it the most popular and enviable festival-related pageant in the country and beyond’.
‘We are well on course with our preparations. Patrons are sure to have a treat never before experienced, he emphasized.

The theme for this year’s festival is “Upholding the discipline of our forebears as a tool for sustainable development and unity of Ada.”
By Mary Odarkor Akwetey Kutor

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McDan Group Chairman Extends Philanthropic Efforts To The Caribbean

Dr. Daniel McKorley, the esteemed Group Chairman of McDan Group of Companies, is currently on a tour of several Caribbean countries, including the Bahamas, St. Lucia, Grenada, and Anguilla, at the invitation of their Prime Ministers and Premier.

The visit coincides with Dr. McKorley’s birthday, and in true philanthropic fashion, he has used the opportunity to engage with and donate to the less privileged in St. Lucia, through the McDan Foundation.

Dr. McKorley’s generosity knows no bounds, as he has committed a sum of $100,000 to various charitable initiatives in St. Lucia. The McDan Foundation, which he founded, has been credited with numerous life-changing projects in Ghana.

These projects include providing scholarships for over 300 needy but brilliant students, infrastructure development in schools, healthcare support, and youth empowerment, among others.

In St. Lucia, Dr. McKorley’s donations have been directed towards uplifting the most vulnerable members of society. The donations have been made to various charitable organizations, including orphanages, schools, and healthcare facilities. The Group Chairman’s generosity has been well-received in St. Lucia, with the Prime Minister expressing his gratitude for the support.

Dr. McKorley’s visit to St. Lucia coincided with his birthday, and in true Caribbean style, he was treated to a birthday celebration like no other. The Prime Minister and members of his cabinet, as well as other dignitaries, were present to celebrate Dr. McKorley’s special day. The celebration was a testament to the impact that Dr. McKorley has made in St. Lucia in such a short period.

The McDan Foundation’s work in Ghana has been nothing short of transformative. The Foundation’s commitment to providing scholarships for needy but brilliant students has given many young people the opportunity to access quality education, which might have otherwise been out of reach. The Foundation’s provision of school infrastructure has ensured that students have access to conducive learning environments, while its healthcare support has ensured that many Ghanaians have access to quality healthcare services.

Dr. McKorley’s work in the Caribbean is a testament to his commitment to making a positive impact on society. His generosity and philanthropic efforts are a shining example of how businesses can use their resources to uplift vulnerable communities.

The McDan Foundation’s work in Ghana and now in St. Lucia has demonstrated that with the right support and resources, it is possible to create a more equitable and just society.

As Dr. McKorley continues his tour of the Caribbean, it is expected that he will continue to make a positive impact on the communities he visits. His dedication to giving back to society is an inspiration to many, and his work will undoubtedly continue to transform lives for years to come.

In conclusion, Dr. Daniel McKorley’s visit to St. Lucia and his generous donations through the McDan Foundation are a testament to his commitment to making a positive impact on society. His work in Ghana and now in St. Lucia has demonstrated that with the right support and resources, it is possible to create a more equitable and just society. As he continues his tour of the Caribbean, it is expected that he will continue to make a positive impact on the communities he visits, inspiring many along the way.

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