McDan Advises Youth: “If You Don’t Have Money, Don’t Marry”

Renowned Ghanaian businessman and Executive Chairman of the McDan Group, Daniel McKorley, popularly known as McDan, has advised young people not to rush into marriage without financial stability. He warned that getting married without money can be difficult and stressful.

Speaking at the 2025 edition of PCH Hangouts at the ICGC The New Wine Temple in East Legon, McDan stressed the importance of being financially prepared before taking on big responsibilities like marriage.

McDan was direct in his message: “If you don’t have money, don’t marry. If you don’t have money, money, don’t marry, it would derail you,” he emphasized.

He shared that his own financial struggles delayed his decision to marry. “I couldn’t marry early because I was afraid of ‘chop money,’” he admitted. Growing up, he saw how financial problems led to conflicts in marriages, with men physically abusing their wives and women verbally abusing their husbands. These experiences made him cautious about marriage.

His advice highlighted the financial pressures many couples face and how economic struggles can affect relationships.

Beyond marriage, McDan encouraged young people to be disciplined and focused. He noted that Ghana has many intelligent youth, but many struggle to stay committed to their goals.

“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 said.

He shared an example from his own life, recalling how his McDan Entrepreneur Challenge received 15,000 business applications, but many lacked what he called “the finishing power”—the ability to follow through with their ideas.

“It’s not money. The finishing power. If you ask me to stop everything and focus on one thing, focus on yourself,” he advised.

McDan encouraged young people to develop a strong work ethic and make sacrifices to achieve 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.

He also introduced the concept of “OPM”—Other People’s Money—explaining that young entrepreneurs can start businesses without their own capital by leveraging other resources and maintaining financial discipline.

“You don’t need money to start a business, but you can use OPM, where discipline is your number one hallmark,” he said.

Finally, McDan encouraged self-belief, reminding young people that they have control over their futures.

“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,” he said.

His message inspired many attendees, reinforcing the importance of discipline, courage, and financial planning for both personal and professional success.