Business magnate and philanthropist Daniel McKorley has been honoured as the “Most Influential Entrepreneur of All Time” at the 15th Anniversary and Awards Ceremony of the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana (EFG).

The event took place on Friday, August 1, 2025, at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra.

The award celebrates decades of entrepreneurial leadership, innovation, job creation, and national development by Daniel McKorley, the Founder and Executive Chairman of the McDan Group of Companies—a Ghanaian conglomerate with footprints in logistics, aviation, shipping, construction, mining, salt production, agribusiness, and real estate.

He joined a distinguished list of honorees that evening, 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 thanked Mr. Sam Ato Gaisie, the visionary founder of EFG, for consistently championing Ghanaian entrepreneurship.

He reflected on his journey and the obstacles many entrepreneurs still face.

“I came from very little—but what I had was a dream and a deep belief that Ghana is a land of opportunity,” he said. “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 fellow entrepreneurs and young Ghanaians to be bold, resilient, and hopeful, saying, “If you want it, fight for it. Ghana is waiting for you to rise.”

A lighter moment during the event drew smiles and applause when Dr. McKorley was asked why he stood at the edge of the stage to help his female staff up to join him.

He replied, “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 established a presence in over 2,400 ports globally.

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.

He is also the founder of the McDan Foundation, which champions education, sports, and youth entrepreneurship.

Through initiatives like McDan Youth Connect and the McDan Entrepreneurship Challenge, he continues to empower a new generation of African entrepreneurs.