A surprising rift has emerged among Ghana’s influential circles as Dr Daniel McKorley, Chief Executive Officer of the McDan Group and one of the country’s top business figures, openly criticized Ghanaian government policies for stifling the private sector. His remarks caught the attention of Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, a prominent political analyst and nephew of Ghana’s President, who took to social media to express shock at McKorley’s assessment. The exchange has set off a storm of speculation about the climate for business under the current administration and the future of private-public partnerships.
McKorley, known for steering the McDan Group to prominence with extensive government backing, notably in securing Africa’s largest salt concession, painted a stark picture of the challenges he perceives. “Government policies have not helped the private sector,” he stated bluntly, alluding to what he sees as restrictive measures that deter local enterprises from reaching their full potential. For McKorley, navigating Ghana’s business environment has required resilience. “Being a Ghanaian doing business in Ghana, you have to be brave,” he said.
“I have tasted it, I have slept with it, and I’m living with it—it’s quite dangerous and difficult.”
These comments suggest a deep-seated frustration even among those who have benefitted from government support, highlighting the ongoing trials facing Ghana’s private sector. McKorley added that with stronger, more consistent support from the government, he believes his businesses could generate as much as $3.2 billion annually for the Ghanaian economy. His remarks reflect a broader call for policy reforms that, in his view, could transform the business landscape and position Ghana for significant economic growth.
Gabby Otchere-Darko, visibly taken aback, responded on social media, emphasizing the considerable backing the McDan Group has received, especially in the salt sector. He pointed out that McKorley’s achievements, particularly the landmark salt concession, were made possible by a supportive government that recognized and facilitated his ventures. “This is from an entrepreneur who enjoyed the full support of the government to own the largest salt concession in Africa, with the capacity to produce some $2 billion worth of salt annually—a project that, for 45 years, various governments failed to commercialize. Aghast!” Otchere-Darko wrote.
For Otchere-Darko, McKorley’s success underscores the potential of public-private collaborations and serves as a model for entrepreneurs seeking to overcome policy-related hurdles. He suggested that McKorley’s criticisms might be seen as contradictory, given the historic government assistance provided to McDan Group.
The tension highlights an emerging divide between Ghanaian business leaders and policymakers over how best to stimulate the economy. McKorley’s call for stronger alliances between the state and major private sector players resonates with many entrepreneurs who view greater collaboration as essential for Ghana’s development. His sentiments, echoed by others within the business community, cast a spotlight on the current administration’s policies and may prompt renewed discussions on how to better support local businesses amid a challenging economic landscape.
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