Dr. Daniel McKorley, the Executive Chairman of the McDan Group of Companies, has expressed concerns about the implementation of the One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative. While acknowledging the brilliance of the idea, he believes the private sector should have taken the lead to ensure its sustainability and success.
“One District One Factory (1D1F) is one of the brilliant ideas that this government came up with, but the implementation was wrong and I questioned it,” he said on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday.
Dr. McKorley argued that for 1D1F to truly succeed, it must be treated as a business venture driven by private sector expertise and entrepreneurship. “If you look at our economy, what we need is industries. Industry is a whole chain that creates lots of jobs.”
To enhance the initiative’s success, he suggested the government establish an Advisory Board comprising seasoned entrepreneurs. This board would provide valuable guidance on the viability of proposed projects under the policy. “With the 1D1F, it is supposed to be left for the private sector, and an Advisory Board of people who have made it can advise and say, ‘If you go here, you will fail.’”
He further argued that private sector involvement is essential for protecting and sustaining the businesses created under the 1D1F policy. Entrepreneurs with a vested interest in the industry, he believes, would be more motivated to ensure the long-term success of these factories. “1D1F needs to be run as a business. So put it in the hands of the private sector and they would protect the business.”