President John Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer for the 2024 elections, inaugurated the Kwahu Business Forum in Mpraeso, Eastern Region, on Saturday, positioning the event as a platform to outline his vision for revitalizing Ghana’s private sector.
The forum, attended by entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and policymakers, centers on strategies to stimulate business growth amid ongoing economic challenges.
In his opening address, Mahama emphasized job creation and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as pillars of his proposed economic agenda. “This forum is not just about dialogue—it’s about actionable policies that empower businesses to thrive, innovate, and compete globally,” he stated. Key proposals included streamlining regulatory processes, enhancing access to low-interest financing, and investing in vocational training to address skills gaps.
The former president highlighted plans to leverage digital transformation and green energy initiatives to modernize industries, citing Ghana’s renewable energy potential and youth tech talent as catalysts for sustainable growth. He also reiterated commitments to stabilize the cedi, curb inflation, and reduce production costs exacerbated by recent global shocks.
Critics, however, questioned the feasibility of these plans without addressing systemic hurdles such as erratic power supply and bureaucratic bottlenecks. Mahama countered by pledging closer collaboration between government and the private sector, vowing to revive stalled initiatives like the National Employment Policy and a proposed National Apprenticeship Program.
The forum coincides with heightened scrutiny of economic policies ahead of December’s elections, as Ghana grapples with inflation hovering near 25% and a debt-to-GDP ratio exceeding 80%. Mahama’s proposals aim to contrast his approach with the ruling New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) record, framing the NDC as the party of “pragmatic solutions.”
Attendees expressed cautious optimism. “Hearing specific plans for SME support is encouraging, but execution is everything,” said Ama Serwaa, a Kumasi-based agribusiness owner. The forum will continue through Sunday, featuring panel discussions on trade, agriculture, and digital innovation.
As the livestreamed event unfolds, analysts note its strategic timing: Mahama seeks to solidify his economic credentials while the NPP faces voter discontent over austerity measures. With Ghana’s business community eager for stability, the forum may set the tone for a contentious electoral battle rooted in competing visions for recovery.
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