The Ahafo Regional Business Forum was convened on Thursday, 18th December 2025, at Zienel Oasis Hotel, Goaso, under the auspices of Hon. (Mrs.) Charity Gardiner, the Ahafo Regional Minister. The forum brought together officials from the Ahafo Regional Co-ordinating Council led by Mr. Joseph Frimpong Naayo, government officials, private sector actors, financial institutions, development partners, traditional authorities, entrepreneurs, farmers and members of the media to deliberate on strategies aimed at enhancing investment, supporting entrepreneurship and driving sustainable economic growth in the Ahafo Region.
The forum which was first of its kind in the Region provided a platform for meaningful dialogue between government and business stakeholders, with the goal of identifying practical solutions to challenges facing enterprises, unlocking investment opportunities and promoting inclusive economic development that benefits youth, women and local communities across the region.
Hon. Joseph Akparibo, Municipal Chief Executive for Asunafo North, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the importance of public and private partnerships in fostering regional development and encouraging participants to network and build collaborations that translate into tangible outcomes.
The purpose of the forum was outlined by Mr. Joseph Frimpong Naayo, the Regional Co-ordinating Director of the Ahafo Regional Co-ordinating Council, who emphasized co-ordinated action among government institutions, private sector actors, and development partners to address business constraints, leverage regional resources and stimulate job creation in line with the government’s agenda for income generation and employment.
A key presentation on investment opportunities was delivered by Mr. Jacob Adade Ntiamoah, Regional Development Planning Officer. He highlighted priority sectors including agribusiness, agro-processing, poultry and livestock, cocoa and cashew value addition, light manufacturing, tourism and renewable energy. Mr. Ntiamoah also discussed the proposed 24-hour economy market, opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the role of WASH entrepreneurship in creating jobs and improving public health.
The keynote address by Hon. (Mrs.) Charity Gardiner, Ahafo Regional Minister, emphasized government’s commitment to fostering private sector-led growth as a catalyst for regional development. She outlined ongoing initiatives to improve infrastructure, enhance energy supply and expand market access to support business activities across the region. Hon. Gardiner also highlighted targeted programmes aimed at empowering youth and women entrepreneurs through skills development, access to finance and mentorship opportunities.
She encouraged investors to leverage emerging opportunities in agribusiness, agro-processing, ICT, tourism, and light manufacturing. The Regional Minister stressed the importance of innovation, entrepreneurship and value addition as key drivers of sustainable economic growth. She further reiterated government’s commitment to promoting Made-in-Ghana goods, supporting small and medium enterprises, and ensuring regulatory frameworks that facilitate ease of doing business. Mrs. Gardiner concluded by urging all stakeholders to collaborate continuously and turn dialogue into action, thereby accelerating job creation and inclusive development throughout the Ahafo Region.
During the interactive session, participants raised concerns and questions on high rent costs, agricultural equipment access, business licensing, ICT development, promotion of Made-in-Ghana goods, National Service postings, support for entrepreneurs without capital, cocoa farmers’ challenges, support for rice processors, regional security, awards for young entrepreneurs, and support for a lady involved in slipper molding.
Officials from Ahafo RCC relevant MDAs assured participants that these concerns would be addressed through targeted programs, policy reforms and sustained public–private collaboration.
In her closing remarks, Hon. (Mrs.) Charity Gardiner thanked all participants for their contributions, stressing the importance of translating discussions into actionable initiatives to achieve inclusive growth and job creation.
