The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) has appealed for stronger legislative and policy support to enhance the competitiveness of the country’s Free Zones Scheme and accelerate Ghana’s industrialisation drive.
The appeal was made during a working visit by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism to the Authority’s headquarters in Accra on Monday, June 8, 2026.
The committee, led by its Chairman and Member of Parliament for Central Tongu, Alexander Roosevelt Hottordze, engaged the management of the Authority on its operations, achievements, opportunities and challenges as part of Parliament’s oversight responsibilities.
Chief Executive Officer of the GFZA, Dr. Mary Awusi, welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to supporting government efforts aimed at promoting export-led industrial growth and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
She noted that Parliament’s continued interest in the Free Zones Programme underscores its importance to Ghana’s economic development agenda.
A presentation delivered on her behalf by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Dr. Patience Agbleze Acorlor, highlighted the Authority’s mandate, achievements under the Free Zones Scheme, ongoing reforms and investment opportunities available to both local and international investors.
The presentation also outlined the Authority’s contribution to export growth, job creation and the attraction of foreign direct investment into the Ghanaian economy.
Members of the committee engaged management on several issues, including the Free Zones concept, licensing processes, workforce development, industrial expansion opportunities and proposals for industrial-focused banking institutions across the country.
Discussions also covered the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), land acquisition challenges and encroachment issues affecting some Free Zones enclaves.
Dr. Awusi stressed the need to review the Free Zones Act to ensure it aligns with evolving global trade dynamics and Ghana’s industrial and export ambitions.
According to her, addressing policy and operational bottlenecks would significantly improve the competitiveness of Free Zones enterprises and deepen their contribution to national development.
Hottordze commended the Authority’s management for the detailed briefing and assured them of the committee’s support in addressing challenges facing the sector.
He pledged Parliament’s commitment to collaborating with the GFZA to strengthen the Free Zones Programme and maximise its contribution to economic transformation.
The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of Parliament and the Ghana Free Zones Authority to promoting industrial growth, increasing exports and advancing sustainable economic development in Ghana.
