The Ghanaian government has announced plans to significantly expand the Kwahu Business Forum following heightened demand from financial institutions and stakeholders seeking greater participation in the initiative.
The decision aims to enhance regional inclusion and amplify the forum’s role in shaping national economic policies.
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed the move, citing numerous appeals from insurance firms, pension managers, and finance houses previously excluded from the event. “The feedback underscored the necessity of broadening access to ensure all key sectors contribute to Ghana’s economic dialogue,” Debrah stated. He added that future forums will be rotated across regions to foster inclusive development, while flagship sessions remain anchored in Kwahu.
To accommodate growing attendance, the Eastern Regional Minister will secure larger venues capable of hosting five times more participants by 2025. Concurrently, tourism incentive packages for attendees and plans to construct additional hotels in the Eastern Region aim to bolster local infrastructure and hospitality capacity.
Launched in 2024 by President John Dramani Mahama, the forum aligns with Ghana’s strategy to empower SMEs and expand exports. This year’s theme, “The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector,” attracted over 20 institutions, including banks, fintech firms, and telecom operators, to discuss financing models and digital inclusion. During the opening session, Mahama outlined reforms to reduce borrowing costs and establish a national venture capital fund targeting youth and women-led enterprises. He emphasized the need for “green, digital, and inclusive” economic strategies supported by reliable energy and logistics networks.
Franklin Asare Donkoh, the forum’s Executive Director, revealed that participating banks have pledged to back at least five SMEs annually, with a goal of fostering 600 new businesses by 2028. Successful entrepreneurs will be invited to future editions to showcase their progress, reinforcing the initiative’s tangible impact.
The expansion reflects Ghana’s broader push to leverage public-private collaboration for economic transformation. By integrating marginalized financial players and decentralizing its reach, the Kwahu Forum seeks to bridge regional disparities and position itself as a catalyst for equitable growth.
The Kwahu Business Forum’s evolution underscores a growing recognition of localized economic platforms in addressing systemic gaps in Africa’s development landscape. As nations grapple with balancing globalization and grassroots needs, Ghana’s model highlights how tailored, inclusive dialogues can harmonize sectoral interests while driving sustainable progress. This approach not only amplifies underrepresented voices but also strengthens regional cohesion a critical step toward achieving pan-African economic resilience.
