The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) expresses grave concern over recent media reports alleging the assault of the Chief Executive Officer of the McDan Group, Mr. Daniel McKorley, and some of his staff by military personnel at a demolished warehouse site belonging to the McDan Group.
According to reports aired by JoyNews and supported by eyewitness accounts, not only was a journalist assaulted during coverage of the incident, but Mr. McKorley and members of his management team were also allegedly held at gunpoint and made to kneel on the ground. These disturbing revelations are unacceptable in a democratic nation that seeks to attract local and foreign investment.
While the presidency has commendably issued a statement condemning the assault on the journalist and the President himself has publicly spoken against the military’s conduct toward the media.
In a statement signed by the Executive Secretary of the Association, Samson Asaki Awingobit, stated that they are deeply concerned about the silence from the presidency regarding the treatment of Mr. McKorley and his team. Such silence creates an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty within the business community and may erode investor confidence.
Mr. McKorley is not only a celebrated Ghanaian entrepreneur with global recognition for his business acumen and humanitarian contributions but also a symbol of the kind of private sector leadership that propels national development. Subjecting such an individual, and by extension, his staff to alleged brute and inhumane treatment undermines the image of Ghana as a safe and welcoming destination for business.
This unfortunate development brings to mind the 2020 politically motivated demolition of the Universal Labels and Packaging Company, owned by Mr. Raymond Archer, during the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Back then, we, the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, condemned the act in no uncertain terms. Today, under a new government led by H.E. President John Dramani Mahama, who has always been hailed for his respect for the rule of law, we are surprised and saddened by what appears to be a recurring pattern of politically influenced actions against private businesses.
We therefore respectfully call on the presidency to institute a full-scale, transparent investigation into the alleged military assault and inhumane treatment of Mr. McKorley and his staff. Ghana cannot afford to send mixed signals to the global investment community. We must ensure that businesses, regardless of the political affiliations of their owners are protected and encouraged to thrive.
Furthermore, we urge President Mahama and his government to take decisive steps to put an end to any emerging trend of political vengeance or interference in private enterprise. We also advise business owners and investors to desist from using political influence to sabotage competitors. The growth of our economy depends on collaboration, fairness, and respect for the rule of law.
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana remains committed to advocating for the protection and development of the business environment in Ghana. We call on all stakeholders to work together to restore confidence and ensure Ghana remains a beacon for investment and entrepreneurship in Africa.
