ACCRA—The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) has launched its 30th anniversary celebrations, marking three decades of export-led growth that generated more than $35 billion in foreign exchange earnings and created over 40,000 jobs.
At the launch event, Chief Executive Officer Mary Awusi described the milestone as both a reflection of progress and a springboard for future ambitions.
“Thirty years is indeed a significant milestone. From a modest office near the Ministry of Trade, the GFZA has evolved into a key driver of investment, industrial growth, and exports, contributing over $35 billion in export value and creating more than 40,000 jobs,” Awusi said.
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She outlined the Authority’s future agenda around four priorities: investment promotion, digital transformation, strategic partnerships, and infrastructure development—all aimed at boosting Ghana’s global competitiveness.
Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, who chairs the GFZA Board, emphasized the Authority’s role in Ghana’s wider industrialisation agenda.
“Thirty years on, the GFZA stands as a critical pillar in Ghana’s trade and industrialisation drive. The theme, ‘Three Decades of Impact: Empowering Businesses, Transforming Trade in Ghana’, reflects both the journey so far and our bold vision for the future,” she said.
Government plans to transition from Export Processing Zones to Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are at the heart of this next phase. Target sectors include agribusiness, renewable energy, ICT, logistics, and advanced manufacturing—industries expected to diversify Ghana’s export base and deepen job creation.
The anniversary launch, attended by senior officials from the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Ghana Export Promotion Authority, and the Ghana International Trade Commission, also unveiled a year-long lineup of activities including a business forum, exhibitions, awards gala, and CSR initiatives.
Analysts view the SEZ strategy as a way to attract long-term investment, integrate Ghana more fully into regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and position the country as a preferred investment hub for Africa’s fast-growing markets.
FAQs
Q: What milestone is the Ghana Free Zones Authority celebrating?
A: Its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of promoting exports, investment, and industrialisation.
Q: How much export revenue has GFZA generated since its inception?
A: More than $35 billion.
Q: How many jobs have been created under GFZA?
A: Over 40,000 direct jobs.
Q: What is the Authority’s next focus?
A: Transitioning from Export Processing Zones to Special Economic Zones, with emphasis on agribusiness, renewable energy, ICT, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.
Q: Why are Special Economic Zones important for Ghana?
A: They are expected to attract long-term investment, diversify exports, strengthen AfCFTA participation, and position Ghana as a regional trade hub.
Source: Accra Street Journal
Last Updated on September 22, 2025 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
