Gov't to support enterprises through Kwahu Business Forum

The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah has said the government was committed to supporting local enterprises through the Kwahu Business Forum — an initiative expected to benefit up to 600 businesses by the end of President John Mahama’s four-year term.

Addressing the media at the Jubilee House on Monday [April 14, 2025], Mr Debrah underscored the government’s dedication to empowering indigenous businesses, stimulating private sector growth, and fostering entrepreneurship nationwide.

“We are talking about it at the presidency because of the importance the President attaches to it. It is a project that he wants to see succeed,” he said.

Scheduled for this weekend, the Kwahu Business Forum will convene start-ups, SMEs, investors, and major industry players to network, share ideas, and promote investment in local ventures.

Mr Debrah further revealed that the African Development Bank (AfDB), along with leading financial institutions, will participate in the forum.

Each bank is expected to adopt five viable enterprises to support with funding and mentorship.

“The first strategy the bankers themselves gave us is that each of the banks that will show up is going to pick five bankable projects for this year. And they expect that next year, when we return to Kwahu, they will invite those five people they assisted to come and testify, ”he explained.

Should the initiative be sustained annually, Mr Debrah believes the long-term impact could be transformative.

“If this continues for the next five years, each bank picking a minimum of five enterprises, I’m sure by the end of his four-year tenure, we’ll have over 600 enterprises that we can pinpoint and say these are things President Mahama started.”

Although currently focused on Kwahu, the Chief of Staff suggested the forum could evolve into a nationwide platform, attracting entrepreneurs and institutions from across the country.

“Even though the name is titled Kwahu Business Forum, I think going into the future, it could be national in character whereby business people will travel from all over the country to converge on Kwahu and to have interaction with bankers and public institutions,” he said.

He added that future editions of the forum could include participation from public agencies such as the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), offering businesses guidance on taxation and regulatory compliance.

"So, for example, it should be possible that somewhere along the line next year,  they could have maybe the Commissioner General of GRA trying to explain to businesses the advantages they can have and things like that," he said.