'For 55 years anyone that tried failed; I thought I was stupid’ - McDan on owning the biggest African salt mine

Sitting on 41,000 acres of land in Ada, in the eastern region of Ghana, lies Africa’s largest salt mine, which can generate up to $6 billion in revenue.

The journey to this achievement has been vividly recounted by its owner, Mr. Daniel McKorley (McDan), who has described how his dream materialised despite facing significant opposition.

Narrating his story, he said for 55 years, attempts to develop this land had failed until he took up the mantle.

“The whole place looked like a football field, people were destroying the land with their galamsey salt mining activities. The land was not properly tilted,” one of his workers recalled.

He recounted having to summon extraordinary courage to pursue the project, even questioning whether he was making a stupid decision or not.

"You need courage to do this. I drove past this land sometime ago. This is a place where over 55 years, anybody who tried failed. Nobody could come here and succeed. In the beginning, I asked myself whether I was doing the right thing or I was being stupid.

“It hasn't been an easy journey, if you don't have the guts and what it takes, you will stop by the way,” he told Wode Maya in an interview.

He added, "99% of people will say you are wrong. It's either you are making a mistake or you're making history. We haven't reached anywhere yet, but I believe we have come too far to be making mistakes.”

The salt mine currently produces about 600,000 metric tons annually, and McDan, who sees room for further growth, aims to increase production to 1 million metric tons.

When asked why he undertook such a major business venture, typically managed by the government, he explained, “We're living in a country where some of us had to be pacesetters and also dare. We cannot always look at foreigners and the outside world that they can do what we cannot do. In my policy, I can. I also have some good people around me who read my vision and said they would go with me.

The salt mine which began active operations two years ago now employs over 3,000 workers, including those not directly on the payroll.

When asked if he considers himself a billionaire, McDan replied, “I think so.”

Watch the video below:



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