In a heated exchange over Ghana’s economic environment, Gabby Otchere-Darko, a prominent Ghanaian lawyer and political commentator, took to social media to question recent criticisms leveled at government policies by Dr. Daniel McKorley, the CEO of McDan Group.
Dr. McKorley, widely known for building McDan Group into one of Ghana’s leading conglomerates, recently voiced his frustration at what he described as a hostile business environment created by government policies. Speaking candidly at the Ghana CEO-Presidential Gala Dinner, he argued that these policies have hindered the private sector and deterred local entrepreneurship.
But, Gabby Otchere-Darko expressed his astonishment in a pointed response, writing, “I am perplexed! This is from an entrepreneur who enjoyed the full support of 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!”
McDan said, “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,” he stated. Dr. McKorley continued to underscore the difficulties faced by local businesses, emphasizing the unique challenges Ghanaians face when starting and scaling enterprises. “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.
According to Dr. McKorley, government support for local businesses has been inadequate, resulting in missed opportunities for national economic growth.
He noted that if the government harnessed the potential of private companies like McDan, it could generate significant revenue. “If you build the life of my businesses… we can generate $3.2 billion for the government every year,” he stated, urging policymakers to see local companies as strategic partners.
However, Otchere-Darko’s rebuttal highlighted the significant government support McDan Group has received, particularly with its large salt concession. He appeared to question Dr. McKorley’s stance, pointing out the favorable treatment McDan Group had enjoyed in securing strategic assets under the government’s watch.
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