Julius Debrah unveils $10bn investment framework to boost production

Julius Debrah, representing the government of Ghana, has unveiled a $10 billion domestic investment framework designed to enhance local production and industrial capacity over the next five years. Speaking at the 5th Ghana CEO Vision and Awards on October 30, 2026, Debrah stated that the initiative will be formally introduced as part of the 2027 national budget. The program aims to create sustainable jobs for the youth and significantly reduce the nation's reliance on food imports by prioritizing high-value processing and industrial expansion.

The proposed plan emphasizes a strategic shift from the exportation of raw materials to the establishment of domestic processing facilities, particularly within the manufacturing and pharmaceutical sectors. Debrah highlighted that commercial agriculture and agro-processing would receive priority funding to ensure food security and industrial growth. He urged the private sector to lead this transition, encouraging business owners to adopt modern technologies and innovative practices to enhance their competitiveness on the global market.

The economic discussion at the event, held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, was broadened by Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts. She challenged business leaders to move beyond viewing the creative arts solely as entertainment and to recognize them as critical drivers of job creation and foreign exchange. Gomashie emphasized that a flourishing creative sector brings capital into the banking system, urging the private sector to foster more sponsorships and partnerships within the arts to commercialize creativity responsibly.

The awards ceremony also celebrated individual contributions to Ghana’s development, including the recognition of Joseph Kofi Assempah, CEO of Assempahfie Graphics, who was named CEO of the Year in the printing category. Latif Abubakar, the founder of the Ghana CEO Awards, encouraged all nominees and winners to use their recognition as a platform for future innovation rather than a career peak. He noted that the role of CEOs is central to transforming the economy, highlighting the need for visionary leadership to sustain excellence in the private sector.