Ghana’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Julius Debrah, has called for a stronger manufacturing-led growth strategy, urging policymakers and investors to place industrial development at the centre of the country’s economic transformation agenda.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Kwahu Business Forum at the newly established Convention Centre at Mpreaso Hills in the Eastern Region on Friday, April 3, Julius Debrah said Ghana’s long-term economic resilience would depend on its ability to “produce more” locally, deepen value addition and expand domestic industrial capacity.
He said the country must “process more” of its agricultural output, “add more value” to its mineral resources and build competitive local industries capable of serving both domestic and export markets.
According to him, a shift towards production and industrialisation is necessary if Ghana is to reduce import dependence, create sustainable jobs and strengthen its broader economic base.
The remarks position manufacturing as a central pillar in the government’s wider economic growth strategy, particularly at a time when policymakers are seeking to drive productivity, improve trade competitiveness and stimulate private sector expansion.
The 2026 Kwahu Business Forum has brought together senior government officials, business executives, investors and industry leaders to deliberate on practical strategies for accelerating economic development and unlocking new investment opportunities across key sectors.
The event is also expected to be attended by President John Dramani Mahama, highlighting the forum’s growing importance as a platform for public-private sector engagement on national development priorities.
Also scheduled to address participants is Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, who is expected to outline policy directions on trade, agribusiness and investment opportunities in Ghana.
Her participation is expected to feed into broader discussions around industrial policy, agribusiness expansion and measures to improve Ghana’s attractiveness as a destination for productive investment.
The forum will also feature panel discussions and exhibition tours, providing a platform for stakeholders to explore opportunities in manufacturing, trade facilitation, value chain development and enterprise growth.
Julius Debrah’s intervention adds to growing calls for Ghana to strengthen its productive sectors and build a more self-sustaining economy anchored on industrial expansion rather than consumption-led growth.
