Founder and Chairman of the McDan Group, Dr. Daniel McKorley, has issued a powerful call to action to young Ghanaians, urging them to stop waiting for the “perfect opportunity” and instead take bold steps to create it themselves.
Speaking at the 2025 National Youth Conference: The Turning Point Youth Mentoring Forum at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Dr. McKorley drew from his inspiring journey, from working as a low-paid messenger to becoming the head of a thriving multinational business empire.
“A turning point is that moment you say, ‘enough is enough,’ and decide that your circumstances will no longer dictate your future,” he told the audience.
From the Streets to Global Success
McKorley recounted how his life began to change when he stopped focusing on his limitations and started building with the resources available to him. Today, his McDan brand is known across multiple industries, from logistics and aviation to agriculture and sports development.
Describing the McDan brand as “a brand of hope built from the streets”, he stressed that in today’s fast-paced and technology-driven world, excuses have no place.
Lessons for the Next Generation
Sharing what he called the “critical pillars of success,” McKorley advised the youth to:
- Prioritise discipline over short-lived bursts of motivation.
- Gain competence before chasing big opportunities.
- Deliver value before seeking to expand their network.
- Aim for significance, not just survival.
- Guard their reputation fiercely.
“The most successful people don’t wait for large amounts of capital, they start with small, deliberate actions,” he noted, encouraging young people to explore opportunities in technology, trade, agribusiness, and green energy.
Building Your Door
McKorley challenged the youth to take responsibility for their personal growth and be catalysts for change in their communities.
“If the door doesn’t open, build your own door, and make it strong enough for others to walk through with you,” he said.
He added that emerging trends such as artificial intelligence offer unprecedented opportunities for those willing to act decisively and think creatively.
