Unveiling Ghana’s Economic Future: Top Moments from the 2025 Kwahu Business Forum
On April 19, 2025, the Mpraeso Social Centre in Ghana’s Eastern Region buzzed with energy as the second Kwahu Business Forum unfolded. Spearheaded by President John Dramani Mahama, this flagship event, themed “The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector,†brought together entrepreneurs, policymakers, and financial leaders to chart a bold path for Ghana’s economic growth. Here’s a recap of the forum’s standout highlights, showcasing why it’s a game-changer for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the nation’s entrepreneurial landscape.
The forum kicked off with President Mahama’s electrifying keynote, where he unveiled a transformative five-point action plan to empower businesses. He emphasized affordable financing through institutions like the Ghana Development Bank, targeted SME support with tax incentives, and infrastructure modernization to boost digital connectivity. His ambitious 24-hour economy strategy stole the spotlight, promising reliable electricity, efficient logistics, and enhanced safety to enable businesses to operate round-the-clock. “The future of business in Ghana must be digital, green, and inclusive,†Mahama declared, sparking optimism among attendees.
A key highlight was the forum’s focus on financial inclusion. Mahama stressed that no economy can thrive when access to finance remains elusive, a sentiment echoed by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin. The presence of both Majority and Minority Leaders underscored the event’s non-partisan spirit, with Chief of Staff Julius Debrah emphasizing its national agenda. Financial institutions, including the African Development Bank, showcased products tailored for SMEs, with each bank committing to support five bankable projects annually. This initiative aims to nurture over 600 enterprises by 2029, a milestone Debrah hailed as a legacy of Mahama’s vision.
Panel discussions featuring CEOs, governance experts, and economists explored how the financial sector can drive economic resilience. Mahama urged Ghanaians to shift from traditional trading to innovative ventures like agribusiness and digital entrepreneurship, citing the Afram Plains’ agricultural potential. The forum also highlighted the forthcoming Jobs and Skills Compact, aligning education with industry needs to empower youth and women-led businesses. Attendees were inspired by Mahama’s call to seize global opportunities amid shifting trade dynamics, positioning Africa as a manufacturing hub.
The event’s synergy with the 2025 Kwahu Easter festivities amplified its reach, drawing significant public interest. GhanaWeb’s live stream ensured nationwide access, fostering transparency and engagement. Plans to transform the forum into a national platform, potentially involving the Ghana Revenue Authority, signal its growing influence. Madam Nana Yaa Jantuah, a Presidential Staffer, even suggested replicating the model across all regions, underscoring its potential to reshape Ghana’s economic fabric.
The 2025 Kwahu Business Forum wasn’t just an event—it was a clarion call to action. By fostering collaboration between financial institutions and entrepreneurs, it laid the groundwork for a competitive, inclusive economy. As Mahama aptly put it, “Let us work together to build a Ghana that creates opportunity for all.†With its bold vision and tangible commitments, the forum is poised to drive Ghana’s entrepreneurial revolution, making it a must-watch for anyone invested in the nation’s future.