The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare has called on Ghanaian businesses to embrace organisation, value addition and strategic partnerships as critical tools for national economic transformation.

Delivering the keynote address at the inauguration of the Kwahu Business Advocacy Association (KBAA), held in Accra, the Minister underscored the importance of structured private sector collaboration in unlocking growth, reducing systemic bottlenecks and creating sustainable jobs.

“We are choosing to climb, but we want to climb in a new way together, organised and institutional urging the newly formed association to become a credible and results-driven voice for enterprise," she said.

She noted that businesses grow faster and more sustainably when they organise, share experiences and speak with one voice on issues affecting them.

Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare said associations should provide the structure, leadership and advocacy strength needed to influence policy reforms and reduce delays and costs for legitimate enterprises.

She reiterated the Ministry’s mandate to create an enabling environment for Ghanaian enterprises to thrive, stressing that public systems must not become obstacles to business expansion.

The Minister also highlighted government’s renewed focus on agribusiness, explaining that Ghana must move beyond exporting raw materials to processing more locally to maximise value, create jobs and strengthen economic resilience.

She referenced the recently assented 24-Hour Economy Authority Act, describing it as a framework to support production, logistics, storage and essential services beyond traditional working hours, particularly to boost agro-processing and trade.

She encouraged private investors to explore opportunities in contract farming, agro-processing, packaging, warehousing and distribution. The Minister further assured businesses of government’s support in accessing standards certification, credible programmes and market linkages, including opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

In addition, she challenged the association to prioritise mentorship and youth development through internships, apprenticeships and practical skills training, stressing that building the next generation of entrepreneurs was key to sustaining Ghana’s industrial transformation.

In his acceptance speech, President of the Board of Trustees of the KBAA, Kwabena Adjare Danquah, described the inauguration as a defining moment in the collective journey of Kwahu entrepreneurs.

He said the association marked a transition from individual business accomplishments 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.

Danquah outlined four key focus areas for the association: advocacy, membership value, innovation and business development. He pledged to position the KBAA as a credible voice engaging government, regulators, financial institutions and development partners with clarity and responsibility.

Chairperson of the event, Professor Oduro Owusu who is also the Vice Chancellor of the Presbyterian University, Abetifi, in his closing remarks, 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 for Ghana’s business community to achieve sustainable growth, integrity and honesty must become foundational values. “No matter how much you invest in your business, if you are working with dishonest people, you will struggle,” he cautioned.



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