…Bryan Acheampong’s expertise courted
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, has emphasised that the upcoming Kwahu Business Forum is a non-partisan national development initiative, aimed at fostering industrialisation and entrepreneurship across Ghana.
Speaking ahead of the event, scheduled for Saturday, April19, Mr Debrah, stressed that the forum is driven by President John Dramani Mahama’s vision to stimulate economic growth and support local enterprises rather than political motivations.
“I don’t want us to look at it as a political thing,” he said. “The President’s focus is on Ghana’s development and positioning the country as a key player in industrialisation.”
In a show of unity, Mr Debrah, revealed that he had contacted political opponents, including Bryan Acheampong, to secure bipartisan support for the initiative.
Bryan Acheampong, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Abetifi in the Eastern Region, owns Rock City Hotel and Nightclub.
Nestled in the Kwahu-Nkwatia, Mountains of Ghana’s Eastern Region, Rock City, boasts over 600 meticulously designed rooms and offers thrilling adventures, such as paragliding and canopy walkways.
It is currently expanding to become one of Africa’s and the world’s largest hotel resorts. With over 2,200 rooms equipped with exceptional amenities, it blends modern comfort with the tranquillity of nature, making it an ideal destination for both leisure and business travellers.
During an interview with Citi News on Monday, April 15, Mr Debrah, further highlighted the critical role of support services in ensuring the survival and growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country.
He attributed the high failure rate of many SMEs to a lack of access to guidance, advisory services, and foundational business knowledge.
“You know, generally everyone says if you need support, go to the bank. But people don’t even know that some banks offer advisory services,” he remarked.
He explained that financial institutions such as the African Development Bank and Exim Bank, will participate in the forum to offer more than just capital – they will also provide mentorship and expert advice to help entrepreneurs undertake crucial tasks such as feasibility studies before launching operations.
“They think they could just do it, you know, and that’s why most SMEs start and they fail. But they don’t get appropriate guidance from the word go,” Mr Debrah stated.
The government’s broader ambition under the Kwahu Business Forum Initiative, is to help establish over 600 new enterprises by the end of President Mahama’s current term in office, which concludes in 2028.
The initiative bridges the gap between financial institutions and private sector players, encouraging investment, creating jobs, enhancing tax revenues, and driving inclusive growth.
Each participating bank, is expected to support at least five viable projects annually. Mr Debrah explained: “The bankers told us each bank will pick five bankable projects this year. When we return to Kwahu next year, those they supported will be invited to share their experiences.”
The Chief of Staff, said the government’s support for indigenous businesses through this forum is unwavering. “We are talking about it at the presidency because of the President’s importance. It’s a project that he wants to see succeed,” he noted.
The forum, set to take place this weekend, will bring together start-ups, SMEs, investors, and industry leaders to network, collaborate, and explore opportunities.
Looking ahead, Mr Debrah, suggested that the forum could grow into a nationwide platform. “Even though the name is Kwahu Business Forum, I believe it can become national in character, drawing participants from all over the country.”
He also proposed the inclusion of key public agencies in future editions to better equip businesses with financial literacy and regulatory knowledge. “For instance, we could have the Commissioner-General of the GRA attend and educate businesses on how to comply with tax regulations and benefit from government incentives,” he said.
The Kwahu Business Forum marks a strategic step in Ghana’s journey towards inclusive economic transformation, and organisers are optimistic about its lasting impact on the entrepreneurial landscape.