BY Daniel Bampoe
Ghana is charting a renewed economic course aimed at transforming the country into a leading manufacturing hub in West Africa, with government signalling a decisive break from its long-standing dependence on primary production and trade.
This policy direction was underscored by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, at the opening of the third edition of the Kwahu Business Forum held at the Kwahu Convention Centre on Mpraeso Hill.
The event, which has become a significant feature of the Easter activities, is increasingly being positioned as a platform for shaping the country’s industrial future.
Addressing participants, Julius Debrah indicated that the administration of John Dramani Mahama is prioritising a transition from a production-driven economy to one anchored in manufacturing and value addition.
He stressed that such a shift would not occur automatically but would require bold policy decisions, sustained commitment and a deliberate effort to create a business-friendly environment.
Placing the discussion in historical context, the Chief of Staff criticised the persistence of what he described as the “Guggisberg economy” — a reference to the colonial-era economic structure largely shaped under Frederick Gordon Guggisberg, which focused on raw material extraction and export.
He argued that decades after independence, the country must now move beyond that model and embrace industrialisation as the pathway to sustainable growth.
According to him, the economic transformation hinges on stronger collaboration between government and the private sector, particularly in building industries capable of generating employment, boosting exports and expanding the national revenue base.
He called on policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs to move from dialogue to action by investing in productive sectors.
In a rallying call to stakeholders, Debrah urged participants to seize the moment and reposition Ghana competitively on the global stage.
He emphasised the need to convert economic potential into tangible outcomes such as factories, innovation, jobs and export-led growth, noting that the country must evolve into one recognised not just for commerce but for competitive production and industrial excellence.
He further described the Kwahu Business Forum as more than a ceremonial gathering, portraying it as a strategic interface where policy meets enterprise and investment meets opportunity.
The forum, he said, provides a unique platform for forging partnerships between government institutions, established corporations and emerging entrepreneurs.
The event has attracted over 1,000 participants, including local and international investors, business leaders and policymakers. Activities lined up include networking sessions, exhibitions, investment engagements and knowledge-sharing forums designed to stimulate innovation and enterprise development.
Organisers say the forum also offers practical learning opportunities through masterclasses and interactions with experienced business figures, particularly from the Kwahu area, many of whom have built resilient enterprises over the years.
The renewed push towards manufacturing comes against the backdrop of broader government efforts to diversify the economy, reduce reliance on imports and create sustainable jobs.
