Financial institutions take center stage on day two of Kwahu Business Forum

The second day of the 2025 Kwahu Business Forum unfolded on Sunday with a vibrant exhibition showcasing a wide array of financial institutions, underscoring the critical role of finance in driving entrepreneurship and economic growth.

Held at the Mpraeso Social Centre in the Eastern Region, the Kwahu Business Forum is a flagship initiative launched by President John Dramani Mahama to promote entrepreneurship and support the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the country.

The forum is part of a broader strategy to harness the economic potential of local industries, especially during the annual Kwahu Easter celebrations, which draw large crowds from across Ghana and beyond.

The exhibition featured strong representation from both private and state-owned financial institutions. Leading participants included Exim Bank, National Investment Bank (NIB), and Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), all of which are playing active roles in Ghana’s development finance ecosystem.

Also present were commercial banking giants such as Ecobank, ABSA Bank Ghana, and development-focused agencies like the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), highlighting a multi-sectoral commitment to SME development and trade facilitation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

The presence of these institutions reflects growing interest in leveraging financial services to empower local businesses, expand access to credit, and promote regional trade integration.