Business magnate and philanthropist Daniel McKorley has been named the “Most Influential Entrepreneur of All Time” at the 15th Anniversary and Awards Ceremony of the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana (EFG).
The prestigious event was held on Friday, 1 August 2025, at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra.
The award recognises Mr McKorley’s decades-long contribution to entrepreneurial leadership, innovation, job creation, and national development. He is the Founder and Executive Chairman of the McDan Group of Companies, a Ghanaian conglomerate with operations in logistics, aviation, shipping, construction, mining, salt production, agribusiness, and real estate.
He joined a distinguished list of honourees on the night, 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 expressed gratitude to Mr Sam Ato Gaisie, the visionary founder of EFG, for his unwavering dedication to promoting Ghanaian entrepreneurship.
Reflecting on his journey and the challenges faced by many local entrepreneurs, he remarked,
“I came from very little—but what I had was a dream and a deep belief that Ghana is a land of opportunity. 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 urged young Ghanaians and fellow entrepreneurs to remain bold, resilient, and optimistic.
“If you want it, fight for it. Ghana is waiting for you to rise,” he encouraged.
A lighter moment during the ceremony brought smiles and applause when Dr McKorley was asked why he stood at the edge of the stage to assist his female staff in joining him.
He responded,
“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 a presence in over 2,400 ports worldwide.
He holds a Diploma in Leadership from Lehigh University, a BSc and an Executive MBA from GIMPA, and an honorary Doctorate from the London Business School.
He is also the founder of the McDan Foundation, which promotes education, sports, and youth entrepreneurship. Through initiatives such as McDan Youth Connect and the McDan Entrepreneurship Challenge, he continues to inspire and empower a new generation of African entrepreneurs.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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