Lydia Forson reveals booming business following Mahama encounter at Kwahu forum

Actress and entrepreneur, Lydia Forson, says her business has gained major visibility after an interaction with President John Dramani Mahama at the Kwahu Business Forum.

She explains that the engagement significantly elevated awareness of her brand, Kinky Matters, opening doors to opportunities that were previously difficult to access as a small-scale entrepreneur.

Her remarks follow the conclusion of the 2026 edition of the forum, held during the Easter festivities in Kwahu, where businesses and institutions gathered to network, exhibit products, and build partnerships.

The Kwahu Business Forum is an annual national platform that convenes business owners, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders to stimulate economic growth and promote private-sector expansion.

It also connects small and medium enterprises to financial institutions while encouraging investment through closer collaboration between the public and private sectors.

The forum places emphasis on areas such as agro-processing, manufacturing and export development, positioning itself as a key driver of enterprise growth in Ghana.

Forson recounts that her journey with the forum began after she encountered a television advertisement highlighting the event.

Her interest grew when she noticed participation from institutions such as the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, prompting her to attend despite having never visited Kwahu before.

She travelled from Accra early that year to experience the event, describing it as a turning point that introduced her to influential players in the business space.

That exposure motivated her to return in 2026, this time as an exhibitor representing her own brand.

At this year’s forum, she set up a stand for Kinky Matters, marking a milestone in her entrepreneurial journey.

Although the President initially bypassed her stand, he later returned to engage with her and her products, an interaction she describes as unexpected but impactful.

She notes that the recognition from the President carried significant weight, enhancing the credibility of her brand in ways that financial investment alone could not achieve.

Since then, she has observed increased public awareness, making it easier for customers to identify and purchase her products.

The heightened visibility has also sparked interest from institutions and opened pathways for partnerships, strengthening the brand’s growth prospects.

Kinky Matters, which promotes Ghanaian heritage through locally produced, natural beauty products, began as a blog in 2014 before evolving into a manufacturing business.

Forson highlights that building the company has required persistence, especially given the challenges faced by small enterprises with limited resources.

She addresses the misconception that public figures have easy access to funding, emphasizing that her business has been developed gradually alongside her work in the creative industry.

Drawing from her experience, she encourages young entrepreneurs and creatives to start without excessive hesitation, noting that growth comes with time and consistency.

She maintains that entrepreneurship should be approached as a long-term commitment rather than a quick path to financial success.

Forson also underscores the importance of platforms like the Kwahu Business Forum, describing them as essential spaces for exposure, networking and business development.