Business mogul and philanthropist Daniel McKorley has been recognised as the “Most Influential Entrepreneur of All Time” by the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana (EFG) at its 15th Anniversary and Awards Ceremony. The prestigious event was held on Friday, August 1, 2025, at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra.
The award celebrates decades of entrepreneurial excellence, innovation, job creation, and national development led by McKorley, who is the Founder and Executive Chairman of the McDan Group of Companies. His business empire spans logistics, aviation, shipping, construction, mining, salt production, agribusiness, and real estate, with an established presence in over 2,400 ports around the world.
Other distinguished honourees on the night included Naa Prof. Edmund Nminyem Delle of Rabito Clinic, Dr. Paul Kofi Fynn of Wisconsin International University College, Dr. Mrs. Kate Quartey-Papafio of Reroy Group, Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong of Special Group of Companies, Ms. Esther Cobbah of Stratcomm Africa, and Mr. David Osei-Amankwah of David Walter Ghana Ltd.
In his acceptance speech, Dr McKorley expressed gratitude to the founder of EFG, Mr. Sam Ato Gaisie, for consistently promoting Ghanaian entrepreneurship. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “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 encouraged Ghanaian youth and fellow entrepreneurs to remain hopeful and determined in the face of adversity. “If you want it, fight for it. Ghana is waiting for you to rise,” he stated.
A light-hearted moment during the ceremony saw Dr McKorley helping his female staff onto the stage, drawing laughter and applause. When asked why, he responded, “I’m a romantic man—and my disposition has always been to serve.”
Daniel McKorley is widely known for being the first Ghanaian to own and operate a private jet terminal and for his leadership over Africa’s largest salt mine. 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.
Beyond business, he is committed to philanthropy through the McDan Foundation, which supports education, sports, and youth development. His initiatives such as the McDan Youth Connect and the McDan Entrepreneurship Challenge continue to empower a new generation of African entrepreneurs.