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The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has urged Ghanaian businesses to embrace organisation, value addition and strategic partnerships as essential drivers of national economic transformation.
Delivering the keynote address at the inauguration of the Kwahu Business Advocacy Association (KBAA) in Accra in February 2026, the Minister underscored the importance of structured private sector collaboration in unlocking growth, reducing systemic bottlenecks and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
“We are choosing to climb, but we want to climb in a new way — together, organised and institutional,” she stated, encouraging the newly formed association to position itself as a credible and results-oriented voice for enterprise.
Hon. Ofosu-Adjare noted that businesses grow faster and more sustainably when they organise, share experiences and speak with one voice on policy and regulatory issues. According to her, strong associations provide the leadership and advocacy framework needed to influence reforms, reduce delays and cut operational costs for legitimate enterprises.
She reiterated the Ministry’s mandate to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, stressing that public systems must facilitate — not frustrate — enterprise development.
Highlighting government’s renewed focus on agribusiness, the Minister emphasised the need for Ghana to move beyond exporting raw materials toward increased local processing to maximise value, generate employment and strengthen economic resilience. She referenced the recently assented 24-Hour Economy Authority Act as a framework to support production, logistics, storage and essential services beyond traditional working hours, particularly to boost agro-processing and trade.
Addressing persistent constraints such as limited access to affordable long-term financing and inconsistent raw material supply, she disclosed that the Ministry is implementing a “Feed-the-Industry” programme to better link agricultural production to industrial processing and build reliable supply chains.
The Minister further encouraged private investors to explore opportunities in contract farming, agro-processing, packaging, warehousing and distribution. She assured businesses of government’s support in accessing standards certification, credible programmes and expanded market linkages, including opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In addition, Hon. Ofosu-Adjare challenged the association to prioritise mentorship and youth development through internships, apprenticeships and practical skills training, stressing that nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs is vital to sustaining Ghana’s industrial transformation.
In his acceptance speech, President of the Board of Trustees of the KBAA, Mr. Kwabena Adjare Danquah, described the inauguration as a defining moment in the collective journey of Kwahu entrepreneurs. He said the association represents a transition from individual business success to organised influence rooted in unity, innovation, strategy and sustainable growth.
“Our broader objective is straightforward — job creation, enterprise expansion, true partnership and long-term prosperity through disciplined organisation,” he stated.
Mr. Danquah outlined four key focus areas for the association: advocacy, membership value, innovation and business development. He pledged to position the KBAA as a responsible and credible voice engaging government, regulators, financial institutions and development partners.
Chairperson of the event and Vice Chancellor of the Presbyterian University, Abetifi, Oduro Owusu, drew lessons from Japan’s post-World War II industrialisation, noting how organised advocacy, government support and a culture of integrity transformed the country into a global industrial powerhouse.
He stressed that integrity and honesty must underpin Ghana’s business ecosystem, cautioning that investment alone cannot guarantee success without ethical leadership. Prof. Owusu also proposed the establishment of an industrial park to serve as a business innovation and incubation hub, integrating skills development with character formation to ensure long-term sustainability.
The inauguration brought together captains of industry, business leaders and senior government officials, with the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, leading the official unveiling of the Association.
The formation of the Kwahu Business Advocacy Association signals a renewed commitment by the private sector to organise, advocate and collaborate in advancing Ghana’s industrial and economic transformation agenda.
