PHOTO: Mahama and Right-Hand Man Julius Debrah in Frame
President John Mahama has tipped his hat to Chief of Staff Julius Debrah for dreaming up the now-iconic Kwahu Business Festival, calling him the true architect of what has become Ghana’s signature Easter-season economic showcase.
Speaking at this year’s edition in Kwahu, President Mahama described the forum’s origin as a moment of insight from his “co-conspirator,” Julius Debrah, who proposed merging the festive spirit of Easter with a serious platform for entrepreneurs and economic thinkers.
“Julius sketched it—and now it’s a national fixture,” Mahama remarked, reflecting on the forum’s humble beginnings.
Set against the scenic backdrop of the Kwahu highlands, the Kwahu Business Forum has grown into more than a side event during holiday celebrations. It now stands as a staple in Ghana’s business calendar—a place where culture meets commerce and where policy and private enterprise intersect.
But long before it became a fixture, the idea emerged not from formal policy meetings but from an informal conversation between two men navigating politics from the sidelines. Mahama recalled:
“While planning the trip, my friend and co-conspirator, the Honourable Julius Debrah, formulated the idea that as part of attending the celebrations, we should organise a forum… a platform for me to explain my economic policies and how they would assist business people in transforming and growing their businesses.”
Debrah, known for his quiet but strategic influence, saw an opportunity to create something enduring—an annual convening where Ghana’s business voices could be heard amid the fanfare of Easter.
Since its inception, the Kwahu Business Forum has evolved into a marketplace of ideas, where entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers tackle issues ranging from tax reforms to digital enterprise growth. Analysts note that it reflects both the local flavour of the region and the broader national drive toward economic innovation.
For many, the forum is emblematic of Debrah’s governance style: unassuming but impactful, quietly laying the groundwork for legacy.
His canvas, in this case, is not a traditional one—but the national conversation on enterprise. And the forum he sparked is among his most resonant strokes.
As Ghana navigates its path toward inclusive and sustainable growth, the story of the Kwahu Business Forum is a reminder that big ideas often begin in modest moments—between trusted colleagues, beyond the glare of cameras, and long before the applause.
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