President John Dramani Mahama has assured businesses that Ghana's economy is beginning to recover after years of turmoil, saying, "there are early signs of macroeconomic stabilization."

Speaking at the 2025 edition of the Kwahu Business Forum in Mpraeso on Saturday, the president acknowledged the economic hardships many Ghanaians have endured but said his team is optimistic about the path ahead.

“Inflation is gradually easing, and with disciplined management, we are restoring a measure of confidence in our economy,” he stated.

The forum, themed “The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector”, brought together hundreds of entrepreneurs, policymakers, and financial sector stakeholders from across the country. It provided a platform to discuss strategies to strengthen Ghana’s business environment and stimulate inclusive economic growth.

Mr. Mahama highlighted that while economic recovery is important, it is only the beginning. He called for a broader transformation agenda focused on building a “resilient, inclusive, and productive” economy. According to him, this vision requires a financial sector that supports every business—from small roadside vendors to large-scale manufacturers.

He outlined key measures his administration would take to support private sector growth. These include expanding access to affordable credit through institutions like the Ghana Development Bank and the Women Development Bank, providing tax incentives to SMEs, modernizing infrastructure, and reforming the credit system to reduce borrowing costs.

“We will retool the financial sector to serve the real economy—not just government borrowing or speculative trading,” Mahama emphasized.

He also announced plans for a national venture capital fund aimed at empowering women and youth-led businesses, alongside regulatory reforms to encourage lending to productive sectors.

The president placed financial inclusion at the center of his vision, promising to work with fintechs, mobile money operators, and banks to bring more Ghanaians into the formal financial system, especially in underserved communities.

Looking to the future, Mahama said Ghana’s business environment must embrace digitalization, green growth, and inclusivity. He stressed that the 24-Hour Economy strategy his party is proposing would create a conducive environment for round-the-clock economic activity, supported by reliable electricity, public safety, and logistics.

He also introduced the idea of a “Jobs and Skills Compact” that brings government, academia, and industry together to align training with market needs. He believes this will reduce unemployment and encourage innovation, especially among the youth.

“In our Ghana, no young person should have to leave their hometown in search of opportunity,” he said, expressing hope that places like Mpraeso, Nkawkaw, and Abetifi would become vibrant hubs of entrepreneurship and decent work.

Mr. Mahama concluded by stressing the importance of good governance, rule of law, and a responsive public service in ensuring business confidence. He described the Kwahu Business Forum as more than just an annual gathering but “a call to action” for stakeholders to work together to build a competitive and inclusive economy.

“Let us work together to build a Ghana that creates opportunity for all,” he urged.