Former Finance Minister Seth Terkper has highlighted the growing impact of the Kwahu Business Forum on Ghana’s economy, noting that the initiative has rapidly evolved into a key platform for business development and investment promotion.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2026 edition of the forum at Mpraeso Hills, Mr. Terkper said the initiative, launched in 2024 by President John Dramani Mahama and the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has made significant progress within a short period.
He explained that what began as an effort to promote entrepreneurship within the Kwahu enclave has grown into a credible and increasingly influential platform for business dialogue, private sector engagement, and investment facilitation.
“The premise underpinning this initiative remains clear: Ghanaian businesses are capable of competing both locally and internationally when supported by improved access to finance, markets, networks, and a predictable policy environment,” he stated.
Mr. Terkper noted that participation in the forum has expanded considerably, bringing together stakeholders from government, the private sector, and the diaspora. He added that discussions have become more focused, solution-driven, and aligned with practical outcomes.
According to him, the forum is already delivering tangible benefits, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises in the agribusiness sector. He revealed that several businesses have secured diaspora-backed financing since 2024, enabling them to expand processing capacity and improve export readiness.
To illustrate the forum’s impact, Mr. Terkper cited the success of Dr Octavia Otoo of Golf Chemical Limited, who presented a biofuel production proposal at the 2025 forum. Through engagements facilitated by the platform and the Office of the Chief of Staff, she secured funding from the Agricultural Development Bank, with the project now progressing.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Debrah emphasised the forum’s strategic importance as a bridge between policy and implementation.
“This forum is not a mere ceremony. It is a powerful instrument where policy meets practice, where capital meets creativity, and where enterprise meets opportunity,” he said, adding that the gathering aims to strengthen collaboration between government and businesses while fostering innovation and investment.
The third edition of the forum officially opened on Friday, April 3, 2026, at the Kwahu Convention Centre on Mpraeso Hill in the Eastern Region, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers for networking, exhibitions, and investment engagements.
Source: gbcghanaonline.com
