The forum will be held at the Silverbird Cinemas in Accra and is expected to attract policymakers, manufacturers, distributors, sustainability experts, and entrepreneurs across the beverage value chain.

Organized as part of the activities leading to the Ghana Beverage Awards, the forum serves as an important platform for dialogue on the evolving dynamics shaping the beverage industry in Ghana and across the African continent. This year’s edition, themed “Powering a Resilient and Eco-Friendly Beverage Industry through 24-Hour Operations for Job Creation and AfCFTA Competitiveness,” seeks to examine how the sector can drive sustainable growth while positioning itself to take advantage of expanded trade opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The 2026 forum represents the second edition of the Ghana Beverage Awards Industry Forum and the first to be held as a physical gathering. Building on the momentum from the inaugural engagement, this year’s in-person forum is expected to deepen conversations, strengthen industry collaboration, and encourage more practical discussions around sustainability, policy direction, and sector growth.

At the heart of the forum is a distinguished panel of speakers with expertise spanning environmental regulation, industrial development, sustainability, and trade. Among the speakers is Saeed A. Farocco, Acting Director for the Manufacturing and Industry Unit at the Environmental Protection Agency. He is expected to provide insight into the environmental considerations and regulatory frameworks shaping sustainable manufacturing practices in Ghana’s beverage sector.

Also joining the conversation is Makafui Awuku, Chief Executive Officer of McKingtorch Africa and a respected environmentalist, innovator, and circular economy advocate. Awuku is expected to share perspectives on how beverage producers can integrate circular economy principles, responsible packaging systems, and environmentally conscious production methods into their operations.

Another key speaker is Ishmael Nii Amanor Dodoo, Director of Partnerships at the 24 Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Secretariat. His contribution will centre on the role of the beverage industry in advancing Ghana’s 24-hour economy policy, highlighting opportunities for expanded production, job creation, and export growth.

Representing the trading community is Mr. Samuel Aggrey, General Secretary of the Food and Beverage Association of Ghana, who will provide the perspective of retailers and distributors. His remarks are expected to touch on supply chain realities, market accessibility, and the role of traders in ensuring beverage products reach consumers efficiently while maintaining quality standards.

Speaking on behalf of the organizers, Emma Wenani, Chief Director at Global Media Alliance mentioned that the forum forms an important component of the Ghana Beverage Awards platform, which continues to promote excellence, dialogue, and industry development within Ghana’s beverage ecosystem.

“The Industry Forum is designed to bring together key stakeholders to have meaningful conversations about the future of the beverage sector. As the industry evolves, it is important that sustainability, innovation, and policy alignment remain central to the conversation, particularly as Ghana positions itself within the AfCFTA market and the emerging 24-hour economy framework,” Ms. Wenani said.

With growing conversations around sustainability, industrial productivity, and regional trade integration, the Ghana Beverage Awards Industry Forum aims to create a platform where stakeholders can collectively explore solutions that will strengthen the resilience of the beverage sector.