President Mahama on Saturday addressed hundreds of businesses at the Kwahu Business Forum.

The event was under the theme "The future of business: The role of the financial sector."

The Kwahu Business Forum forms part of a series of engagements bringing together policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors to discuss innovative strategies for economic development and private sector empowerment in Ghana and across the continent.

Find below the president's speech.

Nananom,The Chief of Staff,Honourable Ministers of State,Members of Parliament,Captains of Industry,Entrepreneurs and Financial Sector Stakeholders,Distinguished Guests,Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning.

It is a pleasure to be here in Mpraeso in the heart of Kwahu—home to industrious and resilient people, and a place that has become a vital centre for Ghana’s entrepreneurial and investment dialogue. I thank the organizers of the Kwahu Business Forum for sustaining this important platform, which has quickly become a fixture in our national economic conversation.

This year’s theme— “The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector”—could not be more relevant. The financial sector is the bloodstream of any economy. Without it, businesses cannot grow, jobs cannot be created, and innovation cannot thrive.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me begin with the state of our economy.

We are all aware of the challenges our country has faced in recent years—soaring inflation, a weakened cedi, rising debt levels, and a decline in investor confidence. These challenges have weighed heavily on businesses and households alike. But I am confident—and I say this with sincerity—that we are turning a corner.

There are early signs of macroeconomic stabilization: inflation is gradually easing, and with disciplined management, we are restoring a measure of confidence in our economy.But recovery alone is not enough. We must now set our sights higher—on transformation.

We must build an economy that is resilient, inclusive, and productive. And this cannot be achieved without a financial sector that works not just for a few, but for every Ghanaian business—from the roadside vendor to the export-ready manufacturer.

Our vision for Ghana’s future business landscape is bold and deliberate. We are pursuing a targeted programme to restore investor confidence by enhancing transparency, cutting bureaucratic red tape, and promoting a rules-based investment climate.

We are prioritizing sectors that can absorb labour and grow our economy sustainably— agro-processing, ICT, manufacturing, tourism, renewable energy, and the green economy. But our focus is not only on attracting foreign investment. We are equallycommitted to empowering Ghanaians to become owners and drivers of enterprise.

That is why my government will support the private sector not just with policy, but with decisive action:• We will expand access to affordable financing through the Ghana Development Bank, the Women Development Bank, and partnerships with private financial institutions.• We will support SMEs with targeted financing, tax incentives, and technical support.• We will modernize infrastructure—including roads, logistics, and digital connectivity—to create an environment where businesses can thrive.• We will reduce the cost of borrowing by reforming credit systems and supporting blended finance instruments.

• And we will retool the financial sector to serve the real economy—not just government borrowing or speculative trading.

We will also launch a national venture capital fund to support youth- and women-led businesses, and introduce regulatory reforms that encourage banks and financial institutions to lend to productive sectors of the economy.

Financial inclusion will be at the heart of this agenda. No economy can grow if its people remain excluded from formal financial systems. We will work with banks, fintechs, and mobile money operators to expand access to financial services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Distinguished Guests,

The future of business in Ghana must be digital, green, and inclusive. We are entering an era where digital infrastructure is as important as roads and bridges. As part of our 24-Hour Economy strategy, we will create the conditions—through reliable electricity,logistics, and public safety—for businesses to operate around the clock. This will boost productivity, create jobs, and expand opportunity across the country.

But transformation also requires skills. That’s why we are introducing a Jobs and Skills Compact—bringing together government, industry, and academia to align education andtraining with the needs of the job market. We will provide incentives to companies that create sustainable, decent jobs, and support youth entrepreneurship to unlock the creativity of our young people.

Our vision is a Ghana where no young person needs to leave their hometown in search of opportunity. Where communities like Mpraeso, Nkawkaw, and Abetifi become hubs of innovation, enterprise, and decent work.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

To truly enable business growth, we must go beyond economic policy. It requires a firm commitment to rule of law, political stability, and respect for contracts and property rights. It also requires a responsive, corruption-free public service that sees the privatesector not just as a revenue source, but as a development partner.

That is why forums like this are essential. They allow us to listen, to engage, and to co- create policies that work. Your insights and innovations are critical to the national resetwe envision.

In conclusion, the future of Ghana will not be determined by government alone. It will be determined by our ability to build partnerships—between state and private sector, between finance and innovation, and between leadership and the people.

The Kwahu Business Forum is more than an event—it is a call to action. Let us work together to build a Ghana that is competitive, productive, and inclusive. A Ghana that creates opportunity for all.

Thank you, and may God bless our homeland Ghana.