The Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Julius Debrah, has called for a stronger partnership between government and the private sector to drive Ghana’s economic transformation.
Delivering the keynote address at the opening of the Kwahu Business Forum 2026 on Friday, April 3, Mr Debrah stressed that manufacturing must be placed at the centre of the country’s growth strategy to build a larger, more stable and inclusive economy.
“Building a new compact between government and business is a must,” he said, outlining government’s responsibility to create an enabling environment through policy clarity, macroeconomic discipline, infrastructure development, efficient regulation, skills enhancement and reliable power supply.
He, however, noted that businesses also have critical roles to play.
“Business must invest boldly, innovate consistently, formalise where necessary, and scale beyond comfort. We must build firms that focus not only on immediate margins, but on long-term competitiveness, resiliency, and national impact,” Mr Debrah stated.
The Chief of Staff acknowledged the challenges posed by the current global economic climate, including geopolitical conflicts, inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions, urging Ghanaian enterprises to prioritise resiliency.
“Firms must be able to withstand shocks, adapt quickly, and remain competitive even in difficult environments. This requires stronger institutions, better planning, local production, deeper supply chains, and a commitment to sustainability and governance,” he explained.
Mentorship formed a key highlight of his address, as he urged seasoned business leaders, industrialists and financiers to support the next generation of entrepreneurs by sharing not just capital, but experience, wisdom and discipline.
“Mentorship is not charity. It is an economic strategy. It is how a country reproduces excellence, strengthens institutions, widens opportunities, and builds a sustainable economy of shared prosperity,” he emphasised.
To younger entrepreneurs, Mr Debrah advised humility, teachability and a readiness to learn from those who have gone ahead.
“Receiving mentorship must be treated not as a favour, but as a duty to learn, grow, and build responsibly. If those who have climbed are willing to extend a hand, those who are rising must also be willing to reach for it,” he said.
In a passionate call to action, the Chief of Staff urged the business community to translate potential into real outcomes.
“This is our time to move from an economy known mainly for commerce into one respected for production, transformation, and competitive strength. Let business lead with courage. Let government support with clarity. Let seasoned leaders raise the next generation, and let our young people see that this country still believes in their future,” he declared.
Mr Debrah expressed confidence that with discipline, ambition and unity of purpose, Ghana can build strong industries, create jobs and turn economic promise into tangible power.
The Kwahu Business Forum 2026, which runs from April 3 to 5 at the Kwahu Convention Centre, serves as a major national platform bringing together business owners, investors, policymakers and development partners to stimulate private sector growth. The event is widely regarded as the brainchild of President John Dramani Mahama and Chief of Staff Julius Debrah.
The forum is expected to feature networking sessions, investor matchmaking and discussions on critical themes including the role of the financial sector in shaping the future of business in Ghana.