The third annual Kwahu Business Forum concluded today, Sunday, April 5, 2026, at the Kwahu Business Village (Convention Centre) in Mpraeso, with a resounding message: Ghana must transition from a trading-based economy to a manufacturing powerhouse.
As the three-day event drew to a close this Sunday, exhibitors were seen packing their wares and dismantling displays that showcased a wide range of Ghanaian-made products, from processed foods to innovative technology solutions.
The forum, which ran from April 3 to April 5, has solidified its place as a cornerstone of the Easter festivities, attracting over 1,000 entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers across the country.
The final day was underscored by the “industrialisation call” championed throughout the summit. Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, who is credited as the mastermind behind the forum, emphasised that the time for rhetoric has passed.
“This forum is not a mere ceremony. It is a powerful instrument where policy meets practice… Ghana must produce more of what it consumes and process more of what it grows,” Debrah stated during his closing remarks.
President John Dramani Mahama, who attended the summit, highlighted the 24-Hour Economy policy as the primary catalyst for this industrial shift, urging the private sector to lead the charge in job creation for the youth.
Key outcomes of the 2026 Kwahu Business Forum included:
- Formalisation drive: The Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) provided on-site services, helping hundreds of SMEs formalise their businesses to access credit.
- Financial inclusion: Under the theme “The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector,” the Bank of Ghana and other financial institutions committed to easing capital access for manufacturing startups.
- Market expansion: Exhibitors reported high engagement levels, with many securing partnerships to distribute “Made in Ghana” goods.
As the curtains fell, the atmosphere at the Kwahu Business Village remained one of optimism despite the busy scenes of exhibitors packing their wares. For many local traders, the forum provided more than just sales; it offered a direct line to government officials and global investors.
The success of the 2026 edition has already sparked discussions for next year, with organisers aiming to expand the Kwahu Convention Centre to accommodate the growing number of participants who now see the Easter season as a time for both celebration and serious business.
By Ebenezer Agyekum-Boateng, 3Business
