Kwahu Business Forum 2026: Mahama Announces Power Debt Breakthrough and Infrastructure Expansion

The 2026 Kwahu Business Forum has emerged as a pivotal platform for Ghana’s economic agenda, with President John Dramani Mahama announcing major strides in energy debt management and infrastructure development. Conceived during campaign travels in 2023, the forum has evolved into a strategic bridge between traditional cultural festivities and high-level business networking. This year's event brought together key policymakers, industry titans, and judicial leaders to address structural barriers to growth, focusing on the themes of corporate citizenship, sustainable innovation, and market access.

A central highlight of the forum was President Mahama’s disclosure regarding the nation’s power sector liabilities. He revealed that the government has made significant progress in clearing a $1.7 billion debt owed to Independent Power Producers (IPPs). Through rigorous negotiations, a 20% concession was secured, facilitating a new repayment framework intended to restore investor trust and ensure a stable electricity supply. To further boost the region’s economic potential, the President announced the construction of a permanent convention and exhibition centre in Kwahu in partnership with Metalex and Trassaco. This infrastructure, complemented by plans for a new airstrip and road improvements, aims to position Kwahu as a premier destination for international business tourism.

Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie also introduced sweeping judicial reforms designed to enhance investor confidence and reduce the cost of doing business. These measures include restructuring court sittings into two sessions, establishing specialized courts for commercial disputes, and expanding the e-justice system to facilitate digital filing and virtual hearings. Parallel to these legal reforms, Alex Dadey, Executive Chairman of the KGL Group, challenged the private sector to shift from personality-driven enterprises toward robust institutional frameworks. Emphasizing the "KGL case study," Dadey argued that long-term sustainability depends on good governance and value creation. President Mahama echoed these sentiments, urging established firms to prioritize succession planning and mentorship for emerging startups.

Addressing the continental trade landscape, Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare emphasized that Ghana must lead the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by example. She urged local businesses to leverage special economic zones and tools like rules of origin certification to compete effectively. However, Minority Leader Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin cautioned that a significant financing gap remains for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), citing high lending rates and strict collateral requirements as hurdles to expansion. Sylvester Mensah, CEO of GEXIM Bank, provided a more optimistic outlook, highlighting successful funding for businesses from previous forums and calling for actionable steps to turn economic vision into measurable job creation and export growth.