The Member of Parliament for Upper West Akim, Emmanuel Drah, has donated professional hair dryers, accessories, and an undisclosed amount of cash to 17 graduates and seven master craftspersons in Adeiso, Eastern Region.

The gesture was made during a graduation ceremony on Saturday, April 18, 2026, as part of the MP’s ongoing support for the Youth Apprenticeship Programme. The initiative aims to equip young trainees with the tools and resources needed to establish and sustain their own businesses after completing their training.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Drah commended the apprentices for their dedication and resilience, reaffirming his commitment to supporting them annually, particularly those in hairdressing and tailoring.

“I commend the apprentices for their resilience in learning the trade despite the challenges they have faced. I have taken it upon myself to support every apprentice, especially those in hairdressing and tailoring, each year when they graduate,” he said.

“I represent the people of Upper West Akim, and you must all benefit from this initiative regardless of political affiliation, so you can establish and sustain your own businesses. We will also support another batch of trainees in tailoring and dressmaking, who will be graduating next week.”

Mr. Drah further announced a new incentive scheme, revealing that outstanding apprentices will be rewarded in future editions of the programme. Any apprentice or graduate who emerges as the best student in the MTVTI examinations in subsequent years will receive special recognition and awards.

He emphasized that the support forms part of a broader effort to promote skills development, self-employment, and entrepreneurship among young people in the constituency.

Business leaders have been urged to move beyond mere survival and strategically position their enterprises for growth, scale, and export competitiveness as Ghana seeks to strengthen its economic future.

Delivering closing remarks at the forum, the speaker emphasized the need for businesses to think long-term and align with global opportunities, noting that the future of Ghana’s economy depends on innovation and the ability of enterprises to expand beyond local markets.

Institutional investors and fund managers were also called upon to reduce excessive risk aversion and actively support indigenous businesses.

Particular emphasis was placed on leveraging Ghanaian pension funds to invest in local enterprises, with assurances that the country’s resilient business ecosystem presents strong opportunities for long-term returns.

The speaker highlighted that backing local innovation today could lead to the emergence of multi-billion-dollar industries in the near future, urging investors to take a more proactive role in nurturing early-stage businesses.

Policymakers and Members of Parliament were encouraged to translate insights from the forum into concrete policies.

He stressed the importance of listening to the concerns and ideas of industry players and ensuring that engagements like this lead to tangible, measurable outcomes.

Describing the forum as more than just an event, he said it represents a clear statement of intent, demonstrating Ghana’s commitment to building a business-friendly economy through collaboration, innovation, and strategic policy alignment.

He concluded with a call for unity among government, Parliament, and the private sector to work together in building a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient economy.

“Let us work together to shape a stronger economic future for Ghana,” he said, ending with a patriotic declaration: “Long live Ghana.”

Source: myxyzonline.com

The Minority Caucus has strongly criticized government policies they say are stifling local businesses, arguing that rising production costs, particularly in agriculture, are driven more by policy failures than by market forces.

According to the Caucus, the high cost of energy in food production has made it difficult for producers to sell competitively, stressing that “this is not a market problem, but a policy problem.”

They highlighted multiple taxes and levies imposed simultaneously on the same products, including import duties and additional charges, which collectively place an unsustainable burden on businesses.

The Caucus further argued that sectors such as agriculture, oil, and manufacturing are being constrained by excessive taxation and inconsistent policies. Manufacturers, in particular, were described as being “squeezed from both ends,” unable to compete with imports while also grappling with high local production costs.

Concerns were also raised about the lack of proper stakeholder consultation in policy formulation. The Minority criticized superficial engagements, where industries are presented with policies already decided upon, under the guise of consultation.

Across discussions with key industry groups, including traders, manufacturers, and employers—the Caucus reported a consistent theme: businesses are struggling under conflicting policies, regulatory uncertainty, and limited access to finance.

They emphasized that effective legislative consultation is essential for sound economic governance, warning that poor policy coordination directly affects investment, competitiveness, and job creation.

The role of the financial sector also came under scrutiny, with calls for banks and financial institutions to play a more active role in supporting indigenous enterprises. The Caucus urged the development of tailored financial products for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those led by young entrepreneurs.

The Minority outlined key recommendations to address economic challenges, including structured consultations before major policy changes, comprehensive assessments of taxes’ impact on businesses, stronger parliamentary scrutiny, and coordinated government action on business policies.

They also called for increased investment in technical and vocational education, a formal engagement platform between Parliament and business groups, and SME financing reforms with longer-term loans and more flexible collateral requirements.

They concluded by urging stronger collaboration between government, businesses, and the financial sector to create a predictable and supportive environment for enterprise growth.

The Caucus also encouraged entrepreneurs to seize emerging opportunities and invest boldly, while calling for deeper regional integration, including support for a multilateral visa framework across African countries to boost trade and economic cooperation.

Source: myxyzonline.com

The President has assured Ghana’s business community that the economic environment is steadily improving, citing declining interest rates, stabilizing inflation, and a stronger, more predictable currency as key indicators.

He noted that reduced government borrowing has eased pressure on the financial sector, enabling banks to increase lending to the private sector.

Previously, heavy government borrowing created a “crowding out” effect, limiting access to credit for businesses.

With treasury bill rates now lower, financial institutions are being encouraged to redirect liquidity toward private enterprises.

The President highlighted a significant drop in interest rates, from about 32% in 2014 to as low as 9–10% currently, describing this as a major boost for businesses seeking affordable financing.

He also pointed to improved macroeconomic stability, with inflation trending downward and pricing becoming more predictable.

Government efforts, he explained, are focused on building a resilient economy capable of withstanding external shocks.

Addressing concerns about global tensions such as the Iran–Israel conflict, he assured that Ghana remains stable, with nearly six months of import cover and adequate petroleum reserves to prevent shortages.

A major highlight of his address was the stabilization of the Ghanaian currency, which he described as critical for investor confidence.

He emphasized that the goal is not necessarily a strong currency, but a stable one, predictable and not prone to sharp depreciation.

This stability, he explained, has led to reduced import duties in local currency terms, easing the burden on importers.

He urged businesses to comply with tax regulations, noting that lower exchange rate volatility has removed incentives for under-declaration at the ports.

On digital reforms, the President revealed that Ghana is adopting advanced systems, including artificial intelligence, to improve efficiency in revenue collection and customs processes.

Already in use in over 20 countries, these systems are expected to enhance transparency and reduce human interference.

He acknowledged concerns about potential discrepancies in automated assessments but assured that an appeals process is in place and will be expanded to allow faster resolution of disputes.

The President also addressed the dual impact of currency stability, noting that while importers benefit from a stronger cedi, exporters may receive less value for their foreign earnings, reinforcing the need for balanced exchange rate management.

In terms of taxation, he announced significant reforms, including the removal of certain levies such as COVID-related taxes and adjustments to VAT, which had previously been among the highest in Africa.

He indicated that improved tax collection efficiency could allow for further reductions in tax rates, ultimately easing the burden on businesses.

He encouraged companies to remain compliant and transparent in their tax obligations, stressing that responsible tax practices are essential for national development.

The President concluded by urging businesses to adopt long-term strategies, including proper succession planning, to ensure sustainability and growth across generations, reinforcing the broader goal of building a resilient and competitive Ghanaian economy.

Source: myxyzonline.com

Political and business leaders have been called upon to take collective responsibility in sustaining Ghana’s economy by fostering a fair, inclusive, and supportive business environment.

Addressing stakeholders, the Minority Caucus emphasized that sustaining economic growth requires more than policy statements, it demands deliberate and consistent action to ensure Ghanaian businesses thrive despite prevailing challenges.

They stressed the need for honest acknowledgment of current economic conditions and decisive leadership to address them.

The Minority Leader, drawing on over two decades of experience in public service and private enterprise, highlighted the realities entrepreneurs face, from raising capital to navigating an unpredictable market environment.

He reaffirmed his belief that entrepreneurship remains central to Ghana’s economic transformation.

A key concern raised was the politicization of business. Leaders were urged to create a level playing field where success is based on merit, innovation, and hard work, not political affiliation.

According to the Caucus, favoritism undermines local enterprises, discourages risk-taking, and allows foreign competitors to dominate markets at the expense of indigenous businesses.

The statement also emphasized the importance of empowering young entrepreneurs by expanding opportunities and supporting innovation.

Engagements with major industry stakeholders, including trader and employer associations, have reinforced concerns about access to finance.

Despite a reported lending rate of 10%, SMEs continue to face significantly higher borrowing costs due to additional charges, making credit largely inaccessible. Consequently, an estimated 60–80% of small businesses fail within their first five years, primarily due to lack of affordable financing.

The Minority Caucus called on the financial sector to ease collateral requirements and provide long-term financing solutions tailored to sectors such as manufacturing and agro-processing, which require sustained capital investment.

They concluded that building a resilient economy depends on empowering indigenous enterprises through fair policies, accessible financing, and a firm commitment from all leaders to drive meaningful change.

Source: myxyzonline.com

The origins and future vision of the Kwahu Business Forum have been outlined as part of a broader strategy to transform it into one of Ghana’s premier economic platforms.

The initiative was conceived during discussions on strengthening Ghana’s economy and supporting local businesses.

The aim is to leverage the annual Kwahu Easter homecoming, widely known for attracting traders and entrepreneurs from across the country, as more than just a cultural and recreational event.

The Kwahu Easter tradition, including the globally recognized Kwahu Easter Festival, naturally brings together business-minded individuals returning home from cities such as Sunyani and Tamale.

This makes it an ideal opportunity to introduce a structured business forum for networking, learning, and investment.

The first edition, held under modest conditions in a temporary setup, attracted entrepreneurs and industry players despite initial hesitations.

Over time, the forum has grown significantly, drawing banks, SMEs, policymakers, and investors, all engaging in meaningful discussions and partnerships.

The President reaffirmed his commitment to institutionalizing the forum as an annual flagship event, pledging continuous involvement from government officials, financial institutions, and private sector leaders to ensure its impact.

He highlighted tangible outcomes from previous editions, including support for local businesses through financial institutions.

One notable example is Novifarms, which has expanded to cultivate approximately 7,000 hectares of rice under irrigation, enabling year-round production with plans for local processing and market distribution.

Looking ahead, President Mahama outlined major infrastructure plans to support the forum’s growth, including a permanent convention, conference, and exhibition center in Kwahu, developed in partnership with Trasacco Group.

Additional projects include expanded road networks to reduce congestion and long-term plans for an airport to improve accessibility for domestic and international participants.

These developments aim to position Kwahu not only as a national hub but also as a destination for international conferences and exhibitions.

The President emphasized that the forum will continue to expand in scale and relevance, expressing confidence that future governments will sustain and build upon the initiative.

He concluded by reiterating Ghana’s commitment to open dialogue, private sector growth, and economic transformation, noting that platforms like the Kwahu Business Forum are critical in shaping policies, driving investment, and unlocking opportunities for Ghanaian businesses.

Source: myxyzonline.com

By Isaac Israel SELASSIE

Ch.FM | MBA | BSC

Catalyzing Indigenous Enterprise: The Economic Imperative of the Kwahu Business Forum and the Strategic Role of Julius Debrah.

Introduction

In the landscape of Ghana’s economic development, few private-sector initiatives have demonstrated the strategic foresight and tangible impact of the Kwahu Business Forum. Conceived by the Mr. Julius Debrah (Chief of Staff of the Republic of Ghana) as a targeted intervention to bridge the persistent gap between indigenous entrepreneurs and formal financial systems, this annual gathering has rapidly evolved from a regional dialogue into a nationally significant platform for economic transformation. This article examines the forum’s economic importance within the framework of Ghana’s development agenda, with particular emphasis on the instrumental role of Mr. Julius Debrah, in its conceptualization, institutionalization, and strategic expansion.

The Economic Rationale: Addressing Market Failures in SME Finance

The Kwahu Business Forum emerged in response to a well-documented market failure within Ghana’s financial architecture. The chronic underfunding of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which constitute approximately 85% of Ghanaian businesses yet receive a disproportionately small share of formal credit. The forum’s thematic focus exemplified by the 2025 theme, “The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector” directly confronts the structural impediments to capital access that constrain entrepreneurial growth.

President John Dramani Mahama’s address at the 2025 edition articulated a coherent policy framework to address these distortions, announcing commitments to reduce the cost of borrowing through credit system reforms, blended finance instruments, and the establishment of a national venture capital fund specifically targeting youth and women-led enterprises. These interventions represent a supply-side response to the credit constraints that historically have stifled indigenous business formation and expansion.

The forum’s alignment with the government’s 24-Hour Economy strategy further underscores its macroeconomic significance. By prioritizing sectors with high multiplier effects such as agro-processing, manufacturing, ICT, renewable energy, and tourism, the initiative seeks to shift Ghana’s production frontier toward value-added activities capable of generating sustained employment and export competitiveness.

A Platform for Policy-Industry Symbiosis

Beyond its immediate function as a networking event, the Kwahu Business Forum serves as an institutional mechanism for policy feedback and regulatory recalibration. The 2025 edition brought together more than twenty banks, alongside insurance firms, automotive companies, and development partners, creating a rare space for direct dialogue between financial intermediaries and the real economy.

This convening power translates into measurable outcomes. Ambassador Alhaji Salamu Amadu, Founder of the Afro-Arab Group of Companies, reported that within days of the 2025 forum, two banks had initiated contact with his firm illustrating the forum’s capacity to lower transaction costs and facilitate capital allocation. Such outcomes validate the forum’s design as a practical intervention rather than a ceremonial gathering.

The government’s commitment to institutionalizing outcomes is perhaps most evident in the announced creation of an Indigenous Business Advisory Council. Mr. Julius Debrah, delivering closing remarks on behalf of the President at the 2025 forum, disclosed that this council would comprise indigenous business leaders tasked with ensuring the continuous implementation of ideas generated at the forum. The appointment of Mr. Seth Terpker, Presidential Advisor on Economy, to oversee the forum’s deliverables further institutionalizes the linkage between dialogue and policy execution.

Julius Debrah: Architect of Institutional Continuity

The central role of Mr. Julius Debrah in the forum’s evolution cannot be overstated. Described by a presidential aide as the forum’s co-architect alongside President Mahama, Mr. Debrah has leveraged his extensive experience in public administration including his tenure as Chief Executive of the Ghana Tourism Authority to transform a conceptual vision into an operational reality.

The 2024 inaugural edition served as a listening exercise, gathering intelligence from Kwahu’s business community on the constraints and opportunities shaping their enterprises. The 2025 iteration represented a strategic pivot tasked by the President, Mr. Debrah convened all major banks to address the capital access challenges identified in the previous year’s consultations. This responsive approach iteratively refining the forum’s structure based on stakeholder feedback exemplifies principles of adaptive institutional design.

Recognition of Mr. Debrah’s stewardship has extended across the private sector. Dr.Siaw Agyapong, CEO of the Jospong Group, publicly commended his “astute and intelligent” leadership, while journalist Afia Pokua highlighted his historic role in institutionalizing Kwahu Easter as a national tourism phenomenon a precedent that now informs the business forum’s expansion.

Spatial Economics and Local Multiplier Effects

The forum’s location in the Kwahu enclave carries deliberate economic significance. By situating the event in Mpraeso a community whose entrepreneurial heritage is legendary within Ghana, organizers activate localized multiplier effects that extend well beyond the forum’s duration.

Hotels and guest houses in the Kwahu area have reported full occupancy during the forum period, generating substantial income for hospitality operators who often experience low occupancy during non-festive seasons. Local vendors, food sellers, and transport operators similarly benefit from the influx of participants and visitors. One commentator noted that the economic activity generated during the forum period yields returns to local traders that exceed months of ordinary trading at the Nkawkaw Junction.

This spatial strategy aligns with the government’s broader commitment to decentralized economic development. As President Mahama articulated in his 2025 address: “Our vision is a Ghana where no young person needs to leave their hometown in search of opportunity. Where communities like Mpraeso, Nkawkaw, and Abetifi become hubs of innovation, enterprise, and decent work”.

Strategic Expansion and Regional Integration

The 2026 edition of the Kwahu Business Forum promises to expand the initiative’s scope both domestically and internationally. Scheduled for April 3–5, 2026, at the newly developed Kwahu Business Village which is a purpose-built facility capable of accommodating over 1,000 participants, the forum will extend to three full days, allowing for deeper engagement across sectors.

More significantly, Mr. Debrah has announced plans to internationalize the forum, with international exhibitors and business delegations from neighboring countries expected to participate. This expansion reflects a strategic orientation toward export-led growth and regional integration, aligning with Ghana’s commitments under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Ghana Free Zones Authority has already signaled its engagement with the forum, showcasing investment opportunities and support mechanisms available through AfCFTA and other national trade initiatives.

Conclusion

The Kwahu Business Forum represents a distinctive model of public-private engagement that combines policy coherence with institutional responsiveness, and national ambition with local implementation. Its economic importance lies not only in the immediate capital flows and business matches it facilitates but in its longer-term function as a mechanism for aligning financial sector behavior with the needs of the real economy.

Mr. Julius Debrah’s role in this enterprise merits particular recognition. By translating presidential vision into operational reality, and by iteratively refining the forum’s structure in response to stakeholder feedback, he has demonstrated how effective public administration can serve as a catalyst for private-sector development. As the forum expands in 2026 to embrace regional and international dimensions, its potential to contribute to Ghana’s economic transformation and to position the country as a West African trade hub appears poised for realization.

References

1. Ghana News Agency. (2025, April 19). Kwahu Business Forum: Exhibitors, participants commend Government for initiative.
2. Ghana News Agency. (2025, April 18). Government to create Indigenous Business Advisory Council following Kwahu Forum.
3. Ghana Free Zones Authority. (2025). Kwahu Business Forum 2025 Exhibition.
4. The Ghana Report. (2025, March 18). National pride, not cost.
5. The Herald Ghana. (2026, February 12). Mahama, Debrah, BoG Governor to grace expanded Kwahu Business Forum.
6. 5FM. (2025, June 8). Kwahu Business Forum to feature international exhibitors and regional business delegations in 2026 — Julius Debrah.
7. DailyGuide Network. (2025, April 28). Afro-Arab Founder commends Kwahu Business Forum.
8. (2025, April 22). Chief of Staff hailed for successful hosting of Kwahu Business Forum.
9. Africa-Press. (2025, April 19). We will reduce the cost of borrowing; President Mahama assures businesses.
10. Graphic Online. (2026, February 11). Over 1,000 entrepreneurs expected at expanded 2026 Kwahu Business Forum.