The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has declared that Ghana is poised to reposition its economy and emerge as the leading manufacturing hub in West Africa, signalling a renewed policy direction under President John Dramani Mahama.

Speaking at the opening of the third edition of the Kwahu Business Forum on FridayApril 4, at the Kwahu Convention Centre on Mpraeso Hill, Mr Debrah said the government was firmly committed to transitioning the country from a production-based economy to one driven by manufacturing and value addition.

He emphasised that achieving this ambition would require a decisive shift in economic thinking, backed by deliberate policies to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

According to him, stronger collaboration between the state and private sector would be critical in unlocking Ghana’s industrial potential.

Mr Debrah criticised what he described as the enduring limitations of the “Guggisberg economy”, urging stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps towards industrialisation.

He called on policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs to focus on building industries capable of generating jobs, increasing exports and expanding the country’s economic base.

“Let this Forum send a powerful message from the hills of Kwahu to every corner of Ghana: that we are ready to build, ready to produce, ready to lead, and ready to uplift others as we rise.

"This is our time not merely to discuss Ghana’s economic destiny, but to shape it. Our time to transform potential into factories, jobs, exports, innovation, and hope. Our time to evolve from an economy known primarily for commerce into one respected globally for production, value addition, and competitive excellence,” he declared.

The Chief of Staff described the Kwahu Business Forum as a strategic platform for driving Ghana’s industrial agenda, noting that it brings together government officials, investors and entrepreneurs to forge practical partnerships.

“This Forum is not a mere ceremony. It is a powerful instrument where policy meets practice, where capital meets creativity, where enterprise meets opportunity, and where public leadership and private sector ambition converge in a unified national dialogue.

“Over the course of this gathering, we will witness networking, exhibitions, investment engagements, and the exchange of ideas. Yet beyond all these, our core objective is to build a stronger, more productive relationship between government and business, between established corporations and emerging entrepreneurs, and between ambition and execution,” he added.

The forum, which has become a key feature of Ghana’s Easter calendar, has attracted more than 1,000 participants, including entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers from across the country and beyond.

Organisers say the event is designed to deepen investment partnerships, promote business opportunities and provide a platform for enterprises of all sizes to showcase their products and services.

Participants are also expected to benefit from masterclasses and insights from seasoned business leaders, particularly from the Kwahu enclave, on building resilient and sustainable enterprises.