Renowned Ghanaian businessman and Executive Chairman of the McDan Group, Daniel McKorley, popularly known as McDan, has advised young people against getting married without financial stability, warning that marriage without money can be draining.
Speaking at the 2025 edition of PCH Hangouts at the ICGC The New Wine Temple, East Legon, McDan shared his views on financial preparedness and personal discipline, stressing the importance of self-development before taking on major responsibilities like marriage.
“If you don’t have money, don’t marry. If you don’t have money, money, don’t marry, it would derail you,” he stated emphatically.
Why McDan delayed marriage
Revealing his personal struggles, McDan disclosed that financial responsibilities were a major factor in his decision to delay marriage.
“I couldn’t marry early because I was afraid of chop money,” he admitted. “I grew up in an environment where you could see a man physically abusing a woman because of chop money, and you could see a woman verbally abusing a man because of chop money. So, the institution of marriage was scary for me.”
His remarks shed light on the financial pressures many couples face and the impact economic struggles can have on relationships.
Discipline and focus: The key to success
Beyond marriage, McDan emphasised the need for discipline and focus among Ghanaian youth. He lamented that while many young people in Ghana are intelligent and full of potential, they lack the discipline and courage to see their dreams through.
“Discipline is what the Ghanaian youth need, discipline and a bit of courage. We have smart youth in this country, but they need a bit of discipline and a bit of courage,” he stated.
Using his own experiences as an example, McDan noted that when he launched the McDan Entrepreneur Challenge, he received 15,000 applications for new businesses, but many of the applicants lacked what he called “the finishing power.”
“It’s not money. The finishing power. If you ask me to stop everything and focus on one thing, focus on yourself,” he advised.
He encouraged young people to develop a strong work ethic and to make personal sacrifices in pursuit of success.
“If you sleep eight hours a day, start sleeping four hours. Add the extra two hours in serving somebody, there’s a lot of benefit in service. So, start with yourself,” he urged.
McDan also introduced the youth to what he called “OPM” – Other People’s Money,” explaining that people can start businesses without their own capital by leveraging other resources and maintaining financial discipline.
“You can be a very smart guy and practice OPM, even if you have nothing to do. I was there before. You don’t need money to start business, but you can use OPM, where discipline is your number one hallmark,” he explained.
Encouraging self-belief, McDan urged young people to develop confidence in their abilities and take action toward their goals.
“You own your future. You have to be able to stand up in the mirror and say to yourself, I will make it. A journey of a thousand miles must start with you. Stop everything, take some time and look at yourself,” he advised.
McDan’s message resonated with many attendees, as he reinforced the importance of discipline, courage, and financial planning in achieving personal and professional success.
Source: Graphic Online