The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) has officially launched activities marking its 30th anniversary, celebrating three decades of impact, resilience, and industrial transformation. The event, held at the Authority’s national headquarters in Cantonments, Accra, brought together government officials, board members, development partners, investors, and the media.
In his welcome address, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Finance and Administration and Chairman of the 30th Anniversary Planning Committee, *Mr. Musah Sibiri Hamidu*, described the anniversary as more than a commemoration of time, but rather a celebration of vision and progress.
“Three decades ago, the Ghana Free Zones Authority Act (Act 504) was not just a piece of legislation—it was a promise to create stages of industrial growth, attract global capital, and secure a competitive foothold for Ghana on the world stage,” he stated. He urged the media to serve as ambassadors in showcasing GFZA’s achievements and future aspirations to the nation and international investment community.
Delivering the keynote speech, *Chief Executive Officer of GFZA, Dr. Mary Awusi*, the first woman to hold the position, highlighted the Authority’s transformational journey since its establishment in 1995 under the late President Jerry John Rawlings.
“What began modestly in a small office has grown into a major driver of economic growth and industrial transformation,” she said.
Dr. Awusi revealed that the Authority has licensed *339 enterprises*, with 306 currently active, comprising wholly Ghanaian, wholly foreign, and joint venture companies. These enterprises, she noted, have boosted Ghana’s non-traditional exports from *US\$145.4 million in 1997* to *US\$2.25 billion by the end of 2024*, with the first quarter of 2025 alone recording exports worth *US\$1 billion*.
She added that capital investments had risen from *US\$117 million in 1997* to *US\$354.8 million in 2024*, with *40,033 direct jobs* created as of 2025, compared to 3,483 in 1997. Beyond commerce, Dr. Awusi underscored the social impact of Free Zones enterprises, citing investments in education, healthcare, ICT, and community development.
Outlining her priorities, she pledged to *attract more investors, accelerate enclave development, fully automate GFZA’s core processes, and strengthen partnerships* with both local and international stakeholders. She also emphasized the Authority’s alignment with national policies, including the government’s agribusiness agenda and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
For her part, the *Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare*, who also serves as Chairperson of the GFZA Board, commended the Authority’s role in driving industrialization and positioning Ghana as a competitive trade and investment hub.
She disclosed that government is working to *transition from Export Processing Zones to Special Economic Zones (SEZs)*, which would integrate manufacturing, logistics, services, and innovation into globally competitive hubs. This, she said, will attract strategic investments in agribusiness, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, ICT, and logistics, while deepening linkages between foreign investors and local enterprises.
“As we commemorate three decades of impact, empowering businesses and transforming trade, we are reminded that the journey ahead requires renewed purpose and collective commitment. The Free Zones Authority is not just a regulator but a strategic partner in Ghana’s economic transformation,” she stressed.
The 30th anniversary celebrations, themed *“Three Decades of Impact: Empowering Businesses, Transforming Trade in Ghana”,* will feature a series of activities including a student seminar, business forum, health walk, exhibition, corporate social responsibility projects, and a grand awards and gala night. The celebrations will also align with global awareness campaigns such as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Customer Service Week.
The GFZA reaffirmed its commitment to repositioning Ghana as a leading investment destination in Africa, consolidating its role in industrialization, trade facilitation, and sustainable economic growth.
Story by Eugene Kwasi Nyarko
