McDan CEO Declares UEW a Rising Hub for Ghana's Future Entrepreneurs
Dr. Daniel McKorley, the Founder and CEO of the McDan Group, says that the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) is rapidly becoming a hub for Ghana’s future entrepreneurs. Although it is not traditionally recognised as an entrepreneurial university, he was impressed by the business innovations at UEW’s School of Business.
He described the university as one of Ghana’s emerging centres for nurturing business leaders. He noted that its students are developing the entrepreneurial skills needed to lead the next generation of enterprises in Ghana.
Delivering the keynote address at the 2026 School of Business Undergraduate Seminar and Dean's Awards at the Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Centre on Wednesday, 1st July, 2026, Dr. McKorley said the quality of student business ideas presented during the seminar had challenged his long-held perception of the University.
"Your school is not known as an entrepreneurial school. But what I have seen this morning tells me that a few things must change. Anyone who sees you should say, yes, this is a product of the University of Education, Winneba," he remarked after observing students pitch innovative business ventures.
The renowned entrepreneur noted that while hundreds of thousands of graduates enter Ghana's job market annually, only a fraction secure formal employment, making entrepreneurship an urgent national priority rather than an option.
Describing graduate unemployment as a growing national security concern, he challenged students to build resilience, embrace innovation and create businesses capable of generating employment instead of waiting for jobs.
"When I look around this magnificent conference centre, I do not just see students; I see an untapped reservoir of economic power. You are the future CEOs, business owners, industrial giants and employers of labour," he stated.
Drawing from his own journey from selling on the streets and working as a driver's mate to leading one of Ghana's foremost business conglomerates, Dr. McKorley attributed his success not to privilege but to discipline, resilience and the right attitude.
He stressed that attitude accounts for the greatest share of entrepreneurial success, urging students to move beyond excuses and convert societal challenges into viable business opportunities.
"The average person looks at challenges and complains. Entrepreneurs look at those same challenges and see business empires waiting to be built," he emphasised, adding that lasting wealth is created by solving people's problems.
Dr. McKorley further pledged his personal commitment to mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs from UEW. He invited students with viable business ideas to engage him directly for guidance and support.
He commended the leadership of the School of Business for creating a platform that exposes students to practical entrepreneurship and encourages innovation beyond the classroom.
Ending his address with a pledge recited by the students, Dr McKorley challenged them to reject the mindset of job-seeking and instead embrace the responsibility of becoming creators of wealth, industries and employment.
"I will not beg for a seat at the economic table. If there is no seat for me, I will build a brand-new table," the students affirmed after him.
The 2026 School of Business Undergraduate Seminar, held under the theme "Empowering Youth Through Entrepreneurship: A Path to Economic Independence," also featured the inauguration of the Dean's Awards to recognise outstanding undergraduate students and a Business Pitch Competition that showcased innovative student-led enterprises across agribusiness, manufacturing, sustainable packaging, engineering and fashion.
