Ghana is embarking on a significant economic repositioning strategy, aiming to emerge as the leading manufacturing hub in West Africa. This renewed policy direction, spearheaded by President John Dramani Mahama, was a central theme at the third edition of the Kwahu Business Forum, held on Mpraeso Hill, which has become a pivotal event in Ghana's Easter calendar.

Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff, articulated this vision at the forum's opening, emphasizing the government's firm commitment to transition Ghana from a primarily production-based economy to one driven by robust manufacturing and value addition. He stressed that achieving this ambition necessitates a decisive shift in economic thinking, supported by deliberate policies that create an enabling environment for businesses. Critically, Mr. Debrah highlighted that stronger collaboration between the state and the private sector is essential to unlock Ghana’s industrial potential, urging stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps towards industrialization.

He critiqued the persistent limitations of the “Guggisberg economy,” calling on policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs to concentrate on building industries capable of generating jobs, increasing exports, and expanding the nation’s economic base. Debrah declared, “This is our time not merely to discuss Ghana’s economic destiny, but to shape it. Our time to transform potential into factories, jobs, exports, innovation, and hope. Our time to evolve from an economy known primarily for commerce into one respected globally for production, value addition, and competitive excellence.”

The Kwahu Business Forum serves as a strategic platform for driving Ghana’s industrial agenda, bringing together government officials, investors, and entrepreneurs to forge practical partnerships. Described as more than a mere ceremony, it is an instrument where policy meets practice, capital meets creativity, and public leadership converges with private sector ambition. The forum facilitates networking, exhibitions, investment engagements, and the exchange of ideas, with the core objective of building stronger, more productive relationships between government and business, established corporations and emerging entrepreneurs, and ambition and execution.

In his keynote address at the Kwahu Business Forum 2026, Julius Debrah reiterated the call for close partnership between government and the private sector to accelerate Ghana’s economic transformation. He asserted that manufacturing must be at the heart of Ghana’s growth strategy to achieve a larger, more stable, and inclusive economy. The government's role, he explained, is to provide an enabling environment, policy clarity, macroeconomic discipline, infrastructure, efficient regulation, skills development, and reliable power. Conversely, he underscored the private sector's responsibilities: to invest boldly, innovate consistently, formalize where necessary, and scale beyond comfort, focusing on long-term competitiveness, resiliency, and national impact.

Addressing global economic uncertainties stemming from geopolitical conflicts, inflationary pressures, and supply chain disruptions, Mr. Debrah urged enterprises to cultivate resiliency. This involves building stronger institutions, improving planning, fostering local production, deepening supply chains, and committing to sustainability and governance. Mentorship emerged as a crucial theme, with Debrah encouraging established business leaders to share not only capital but also experience, wisdom, and discipline with the next generation. He defined mentorship as an economic strategy vital for reproducing excellence, strengthening institutions, and building a sustainable economy of shared prosperity. For younger leaders, he advised humility and a willingness to learn from experienced mentors.

The 2026 edition of the Kwahu Business Forum, which began on April 3, attracted over 1,000 participants, including entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. Key features included networking opportunities, investor matchmaking, and a trade exhibition for showcasing products and services. The inaugural day featured an official opening ceremony with leading government officials, an exhibition tour, high-level panel discussions, and success stories from Kwahu enclave leaders. Masterclasses on various business topics were also conducted.

A highlight of the first day was an exclusive dinner hosted by President John Dramani Mahama at the newly constructed Kwahu Convention Centre. This session allowed captains of industry to engage in profound dialogues with the President, where he articulated his administration’s economic policies and plans for executing strategic initiatives like the Kwahu Business Forum to ignite entrepreneurial spirit and propel sustainable business growth. President Mahama also sought candid feedback from these business titans on government efforts to streamline investment facilitation and catalyze private sector expansion. The evening was enriched by musical performances from renowned Ghanaian artistes Stonebwoy and Kwabena Kwabena.

Saturday's proceedings included keynote addresses by industry leaders, with President Mahama present. The Governor of the Bank of Ghana was scheduled to deliver a special address on the economy and engage with business leaders later that day. The forum culminated with a health walk in the Kwahu Business Village and closed-door meetings between banking institution leaders and the Bank of Ghana on economic matters. With discipline, ambition, and unity, Ghana aims to convert its potential into a powerful economic reality, fostering industries, creating jobs, and expanding opportunities.