Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko has responded with surprise to remarks made by Dr. Daniel McKorley, Chairman of the McDan Group, who expressed frustration over government policies that he claims hinder the private sector.

In a post on X, Otchere-Darko questioned McDan’s stance, citing substantial government support provided to his business, including the acquisition of Africa’s largest salt concession.

Dr. McKorley reportedly voiced his concerns at the Ghana CEO Presidential Gala Dinner on November 7. He emphasized that current government policies have not adequately supported local entrepreneurs, thereby stifling growth.

“Government policies have really not helped the private sector,” McKorley stated, urging stakeholders to “be frank” about the difficulties faced.

He elaborated on the challenging environment local businesses face, asserting, “If you want to do business in Ghana, you have to be prepared. Being a Ghanaian doing business in Ghana, you have to be brave.”

He called for policies that promote innovation and growth for Ghanaian businesses, saying, “Many times, it looks like we don’t support our own… I have tasted it, I have slept with it, and I’m living with it, and it’s quite dangerous and difficult.”

In reaction to McDan’s remarks, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, a prominent member of the ruling party, expressed confusion over the entrepreneur’s critique.

H responded on X, “I am perplexed! This is from an entrepreneur who enjoyed the full support of govt to own the largest salt concession in Africa, with the capacity to produce some $2bn of salt annually; a project that for 45 years various governments failed to commercialise. Aghast!.

McDan, however, reiterated his call for a closer collaboration between the government and the private sector to harness the potential of local businesses.

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He suggested that the private sector could significantly contribute to national revenue if given the right support.

“If you build the livelihood of my businesses, we can generate $3.2 billion for the government every year,” he proposed, pointing out that other countries call on their big businesses in times of need.