The McDan Foundation has received high praise from Zongo communities in Kumasi following a traditional ceremony that honoured its founder, Daniel McKorley, for his sustained investment in the education of underprivileged youth.
At a mini durbar on Monday, attended by tribal chiefs, elders, students and beneficiaries, Dr McKorley was celebrated for his four-year commitment to transforming lives through tertiary education support.
The event, held in Kumasi, was marked by tributes from community leaders who described McKorley as a “Messiah of the Zongo” for his consistent role in enabling youth to access higher education. The ceremony was both a celebration of achievements and a platform to expand the initiative, with the induction of ten new students into the McDan Scholarship Scheme.
“This durbar is not just ceremony; it’s the heartfelt thanks of a community witnessing its youth rise through education,” one of the chiefs said. “McKorley and his foundation have lit a path where before there was often darkness. Our graduates here today are living proof of the power of this support.”
The scholarship scheme, which now supports over 300 students across various universities and tertiary institutions in Ghana, is fully funded by the McDan Foundation. Beneficiaries have come from different parts of the country, but Monday’s event focused on the impact within Zongo communities in the Ashanti Region.
Addressing the newly inducted scholars, McKorley underscored the need for responsibility, hard work, and community impact. “This scholarship is not just about paying fees,” he told the students. “It is an investment in your potential and in the future of your communities. We entreat you to embrace this chance, excel in your studies, and return as change-makers. Be the leaders, the innovators, and the problem-solvers that Zongo and Ghana need.”
The new scholarship recipients were selected through a competitive process, and each of them will receive comprehensive funding for tuition, accommodation, and other academic-related expenses.
Several alumni of the scheme, including graduates from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), were present to express their gratitude. Their testimonies highlighted the transformational role of the McDan Foundation, particularly in marginalised communities where financial constraints often bar capable students from pursuing further education.
The atmosphere at the durbar reflected a deep appreciation for the foundation’s work, with chiefs and elders committing to support the scholars to make the most of the opportunity. Beyond the individual success stories, the ceremony illustrated a broader theme of communal upliftment, with education as the primary catalyst.
McKorley’s initiative, which began as a modest programme to support a handful of students, has evolved into one of the most impactful private scholarship schemes in the country. With this latest induction, the McDan Foundation has signalled its continued commitment to investing in human capital as a route to national development.
Source : Graphic Business
