In his speech at the 2025 Kwahu Business Forum in Mpraeso on Saturday, April 19, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama presented a five-point action plan designed to empower business owners and bolster Ghana's private sector.
President John Dramani Mahama outlined his plan for creating a robust, inclusive, and successful Ghanaian economy in his speech on the topic of "The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector."
He stated the following five points:
increasing the availability of reasonably priced finance via collaborations with commercial financial institutions and organisations like the Women's Development Bank and the Ghana Development Bank.
offering SMEs focused support, such as access to specialised finance plans, tax breaks, and technical help.
Roads, logistics systems, and digital connection are examples of modern infrastructure that should be updated to foster an atmosphere that allows companies to expand and successfully compete.
lowering borrowing costs via credit system reform and the promotion of blended financing products to increase access to capital.
Reorienting the financial industry to support the actual economy by prioritising profitable corporate investments above speculative trading and government financing.
President Mahama emphasised the upcoming Jobs and Skills Compact, a significant endeavour to match education and vocational training with the needs of the labour market, in addition to the action plan.
He said that this was a fundamental component of his larger 24-Hour Economy plan.
"Digital, eco-friendly, and inclusive business practices are essential for Ghana's future. Digital infrastructure would be just as important in the future as roads and bridges, he said. "We will provide the prerequisites—reliable power, effective logistics, and public safety—so that enterprises may run around the clock as part of our 24-Hour Economy initiative. Across the country, this will increase possibilities, generate employment, and increase productivity.
Although he noted the persistent economic difficulties, including as soaring inflation, a declining value of the cedi, mounting debt, and dwindling investor confidence, he was cautiously optimistic about new indications of stabilisation.
"Everyone is aware of the difficulties our nation has had recently, including skyrocketing inflation, a depreciating cedi, mounting debt, and a drop in investor confidence. Both homes and companies have been greatly impacted by these difficulties. However, I am certain—and I mean this—that we are making progress," he said.
President Mahama emphasised that recovery on its own is insufficient and that a more comprehensive economic change is required to provide opportunities for everyone, especially for SMEs, youth, and rural areas.
"Inflation is progressively decreasing, and with careful management, we are regaining some degree of trust in our economy. These are early indications of macroeconomic stabilisation. However, recuperation is insufficient on its own. Our goals must now be higher—transformation.
"We need to create a robust, inclusive, and productive economy. And without a banking sector that serves all Ghanaian businesses, from the roadside seller to the export-ready manufacturing, this cannot be accomplished," he stated.
In order to achieve this, the President also unveiled a five-point action plan designed to fortify the private sector and increase its contribution to the larger economic reset agenda of his government.
"We have a bold and thoughtful strategy for Ghana's economic environment going forward. By increasing transparency, reducing bureaucratic red tape, and fostering an investment environment based on rules, we are implementing a focused campaign to win back investor trust," he said.
"We are giving priority to industries like agro-processing, ICT, manufacturing, tourism, renewable energy, and the green economy that can employ people and expand our economy in a sustainable manner. However, luring in foreign investment is not our main goal. "We are equally dedicated to enabling Ghanaians to become business owners and leaders," he said.
President John Dramani Mahama discussed a five-point action plan to encourage entrepreneurs and bolster Ghana's private sector during his speech at the 2025 Kwahu Business Forum. The strategy consists of:
In his closing remarks, President Mahama urged more robust public-private partnerships and restated his resolve to create an open, corrupt-free government that sees the private sector as an important development partner rather than just a source of tax income.
"To sum up, the government won't decide Ghana's destiny by itself. Our capacity to establish alliances between the public and private sectors, between innovation and finance, and between leadership and the populace will decide the outcome.
"The Kwahu Business Forum is a call to action more than just an event. Together, let's create a competitive, productive, and inclusive Ghana. "A Ghana where everyone has opportunities," he said.
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