Value addition of raw materials key to economic transformation – Julius Debrah

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah says Ghana must prioritize value addition to raw materials to achieve meaningful economic transformation.

Mr. Debrah made the remarks at the Kwahu Business Forum on Friday, where he stressed the need for a shift away from exporting unprocessed commodities.

“No nation becomes truly prosperous by exporting raw materials alone and ending up importing value,” he stated, emphasizing the structural imbalance in Ghana’s trade model.

He added, “We cannot continue to produce cocoa and import chocolate,” underscoring what he described as a long-standing contradiction in the country’s economic approach.

According to him, real transformation would require deliberate policies that promote domestic production and industrial growth. “If Ghana is serious about structural transformation, then we must produce more of what we consume, process more of what we grow, and add more value to what we mine,” he said.

Mr. Debrah further called for the development of competitive local industries capable of expanding beyond national borders. “We must build local industries that can compete within Ghana, across West Africa, and beyond,” he noted.

The Chief of Staff also highlighted the role of government in creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, pointing to the need for investment in infrastructure, technology, and skills development.

The Kwahu Business Forum was instituted by the Mahama administration in 2025 to bring together business leaders from across the country to deliberate on strategies for achieving sustainable economic transformation.

The forum has attracted significant participation since its inception, with stakeholders from various sectors contributing ideas on industrialisation, entrepreneurship, and trade expansion.

Its timing coincides with the Easter season, a period when many travelers visit Kwahu for festivities, providing a unique opportunity to blend business dialogue with social and cultural engagement.

Participants at this year’s gathering engaged in discussions aimed at identifying practical solutions to Ghana’s economic challenges, particularly in the areas of value addition, job creation, and export diversification.

Mr. Debrah maintained that sustained commitment to these principles would be essential if Ghana is to reduce its reliance on imports and strengthen its position within the regional and global economy.