Ghana has taken a step towards industrial transformation as the 2026 Kwahu Business Forum opened in Mpraeso, with a focus on manufacturing, enterprise growth and job creation.
Delivering the convener’s address, the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, said the forum is evolving beyond dialogue into a platform for economic action.
“This forum is not about talk, it is about action. It is where policy meets practice, where capital meets creativity, and where ambition meets execution,” he said.
The Easter forum has brought together government officials, investors, entrepreneurs and development partners, signalling renewed efforts to align public policy with private sector growth.
Under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, the initiative is increasingly being positioned as part of a broader economic strategy aimed at strengthening production and industry.
Mr Debrah called for a shift from a trading economy to a production-driven one, warning that long-term growth depends on value addition and industrialisation.
“Ghana must produce more of what it consumes, process more of what it grows, and build industries that compete beyond our borders,” he said.
He cautioned against the continued export of raw materials and importation of finished goods, describing it as a cycle that limits economic progress.
The forum also highlighted manufacturing as a key pathway to job creation, particularly for Ghana’s growing youth population.
Mr Debrah noted that industrial growth could stimulate opportunities across sectors, including agriculture, logistics, engineering, finance and technology.
A major theme of the forum is the need for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector.
While government is expected to provide policy clarity, infrastructure and a stable business environment, businesses are being encouraged to invest, innovate and expand.
“This is a shared mission. Government and enterprise must work together to build a stronger, more productive Ghanaian economy,” he said.
He also urged established business leaders to mentor young entrepreneurs, describing mentorship as essential for sustaining economic growth.
“Those who have built must help others build. That is how nations create continuity and shared prosperity,” he added.
As discussions continue, the forum is being seen as part of efforts to move Ghana towards a more production-focused economy.
“This is our time to build, not just to discuss, but to transform Ghana into a production-driven economy of opportunity and growth,” Mr Debrah concluded.
