Kwahu Business Forum 2026: Julius Debrah’s brainchild comes of age as major economic platform

As the 2026 Kwahu Business Forum opens on April 3, attention is turning to the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, whose growing influence within government is increasingly shaping Ghana’s push for private sector-led growth.

Often described as a quiet but effective strategist, Mr Debrah has played a central role in advancing key government initiatives, from digital transformation to business engagement. The expansion of the Kwahu Business Forum into a three-day national event underscores his imprint on policy execution.

 
A concept that has gained national traction
The Kwahu Business Forum, now in its third edition, was conceived as a joint initiative of President John Dramani Mahama and Mr Debrah, according to the Chief of Staff’s Special Aide, Benjamin Essuman.

“The Kwahu Business Forum is the brainchild of President John Dramani Mahama and Chief of Staff Julius Debrah,” Mr Essuman told journalists ahead of this year’s event.

What began in 2024 as a modest stakeholder engagement platform has evolved into a major fixture on Ghana’s economic calendar. The 2026 edition, scheduled for April 3 to 5, will take place at the newly developed Kwahu Business Village, a facility designed to host over 1,000 participants and serve as a permanent centre for business events.

The forum’s growth reflects a deliberate effort to translate dialogue into action. Following concerns raised during the inaugural event about access to finance, Mr Debrah personally convened banks during the 2025 edition to address the issue.

 
Driving a broader digital transformation agenda
Beyond the Kwahu initiative, Mr Debrah has been instrumental in shaping the country’s digital policy direction. Speaking at the 10th anniversary of Mobex Africa in Accra in July 2025, he outlined a vision centred on African ownership of digital progress.

“Africa’s digital future must be shaped and owned by Africans through strategic partnerships that promote inclusion, innovation, and sovereignty,” Mr Debrah said.

Under his coordination, government is pursuing an ambitious agenda that includes completing the Eastern Corridor Fibre Optic Project by 2027 and establishing a National Digital Development Council.

Plans are also underway to create 200,000 digital jobs and position Ghana as a regional technology hub, with a projected $2 billion in annual digital exports. A $200 million national training programme in coding, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data analytics is being rolled out across all 261 districts, targeting women, rural youth and persons with disabilities.

 
From local roots to national leadership
Mr Debrah’s journey into the heart of government began in Suhum in the Eastern Region. With academic training in archaeology from the University of Ghana, he initially built a career in tourism, rising to become Executive Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority.

As Minister for Local Government and Rural Development during a previous Mahama administration, he led initiatives such as National Sanitation Day and the nationwide street-naming exercise, both aimed at improving urban organisation and civic pride.

Now serving his second term as Chief of Staff, having first held the role in 2015, he is widely regarded as a stabilising force within the presidency. His reappointment in 2025 reinforced that perception.

 
Bridging policy and private enterprise
Mr Debrah’s private sector experience in tourism, insurance, real estate and broadcasting continues to shape his governance outlook. He has consistently advocated a development model anchored on business growth.

Speaking at the Accra Friendship Forever Club Dinner on March 8, 2026, he stressed the central role of enterprise in national progress.

“The development of every nation is largely anchored on the strength of its private sector,” he stated. “We must work together, pool our knowledge, and support each other if we are to transform Ghana into the industrial powerhouse we envision”.

He reiterated government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for investment and innovation.

The Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, Davis Ansah Opoku, has also acknowledged Mr Debrah’s contribution to shaping the Kwahu Business Forum into a credible platform that links tourism with enterprise development.

 
Leadership anchored in relationships
Beyond policy, Mr Debrah is often described as a leader who values relationships and national cohesion. At the March 8 event, he reflected on a personal connection dating back to his days at Achimota School.

“At that time, we did not know President Kufuor would become Head of State one day, and I did not know I would become a politician someday,” Mr Debrah said. “Mr President, the young boy you used to give money gifts in Achimota School is the one who has grown to become a Chief of Staff”.

He urged Ghanaians to rise above political divisions.

“Sometimes we allow our political leanings to spoil our relationships. But if we want our country to develop, we must encourage love and brotherliness,” he said.

 
Standing at the centre of national moments
Mr Debrah’s role in government coordination was evident on March 29, when he led officials and citizens to welcome President Mahama from the United Nations, following the passage of a landmark resolution on the transatlantic slave trade.

“Your forebearers, Ndewura Jakpa will be so proud because you are bold and courageous. Your late father, Hon EA Mahama, I believe, will be very proud of you, and Ghana as a whole, we are very proud of you,” he told the President.

 
Building momentum ahead of Kwahu 2026
With Easter approaching, expectations are high for this year’s forum, which will bring together banks, insurance firms, automotive companies and other industry players, alongside senior government officials.

Registration opened on February 12, with organisers urging early sign-up to ensure smooth participation.

For Mr Debrah, the forum represents more than an annual event; it reflects a broader governance philosophy centred on collaboration and delivery.

“The Kwahu Business Forum started as an idea to harness the entrepreneurial spirit of our people. Today, it is a national asset,” he has previously said.

As the 2026 edition begins, the Chief of Staff’s influence continues to shape both the forum and the wider policy direction of government, reinforcing his role as a key driver of Ghana’s economic agenda.