Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has announced that the government will use the upcoming Kwawu Business Forum to promote the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with a strong focus on agro-processing, manufacturing, and export-oriented businesses.
The second edition of the forum, scheduled for April 19–20, 2025, in the Eastern Region, aims to boost local productivity, reduce import dependence, and support President John Dramani Mahama’s vision of expanding Ghana’s export capacity.
Speaking to the media at the Jubilee House, Mr. Debrah said that almost all financial institutions in the country, especially publicly-owned banks have been invited to provide mentorship and training to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses.
“And so last year we were in Kwahu, and the President invited the business community to introduce the concept to them. He asked what they would want him to do if he became president. Fortunately, he won the election and now wants to be a president who delivers—not just someone who makes promises and leaves them unfulfilled,” Mr. Debrah explained.
The event will take place on Saturday, running from morning until 5 p.m., with banking leaders making presentations and an exhibition running alongside. On Sunday, only the exhibition will continue.
Mr. Debrah added that the most important part of this year’s forum is the involvement of almost all financial institutions in Ghana. He noted that many people expected them to come only to market their products, but to the government’s surprise, the Managing Directors and Chief Executives of these institutions showed up themselves—highlighting the importance the President has placed on the forum.
The Chief of Staff emphasized that the initiative is expected to help create over 600 enterprises during the President’s four-year term through training, mentorship, and capacity-building programmes.
He also mentioned that although the event is called the Kwawu Business Forum, it is intended to become a national annual event.
