Government policies haven’t helped the private sector, says Daniel McKorley

The CEO of McDan Group, Dr Daniel McKorley, has spoken openly about the challenges Ghana’s private sector faces due to government policies.

Speaking at the recent Ghana CEO-Presidential Gala Dinner, he criticised these policies for their lack of support for local businesses, stating that they create an unfavourable environment for entrepreneurs striving to make a difference.

“I will be very blunt,” Dr McKorley stated.

“Government policies have really not helped the private sector. That is where we are sitting right now, and we have to be frank about it.”

Reflecting on his own experiences, he explained how difficult it is for Ghanaians to succeed in business under current conditions.

“If you want to do business in Ghana, then you have to be prepared. Being a Ghanaian doing business in Ghana, you have to be brave,” he said

Dr McKorley, who has built McDan Group into a major conglomerate, conveyed his frustration over a lack of government initiatives that nurture and empower local businesses.

He noted that in some instances, Ghanaians even appear to lack support for their own: “Many times, it looks like we don’t support our own. I have tasted it, I have slept with it, and I’m living with it—it’s quite dangerous and difficult.”

According to Dr McKorley, the government’s reluctance to leverage private sector potential is a missed opportunity for national development.

“If you build the life of my businesses… we can generate $3.2 billion for the government every year,” he declared. “Imagine if government just called on McDan and other big businesses in times of need, like other countries do.”

Dr McKorley urged the government to view local businesses as valuable partners in economic progress, calling for policies that empower entrepreneurs to create jobs and contribute to the nation’s economic stability.