The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), Dr. Mary Awusi, has embarked on her first official visit to the Western Region as part of efforts to “strengthen ties with Free Zones Enterprises (FZEs), identify their operational challenges, and explore avenues for sustainable investment growth.”
Dr. Awusi was accompanied by the Deputy CEO for Operations, Mr. Apau Wiredu Lateef, and a team of officials from the Authority.
“The visit forms part of the GFZA’s renewed mandate to enhance enterprise development under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, whose emphasis on industrial growth and job creation through a 24-hour economy has shaped the Authority’s current direction”
GFZA
Dr. Awusi and her team toured several licensed Free Zones Enterprises, including Yaeric Company Limited at Abura in Axim, Marco Polo Tile Group Ghana Limited in Nyankrom, Plot Enterprises Company Limited in Anoe, Jintao Sanitary Ware Ghana Limited in Eshiem, and Chemsolv Ghana Limited, a chemical production and export company.
At Yaeric and Marco Polo, concerns were raised about the scarcity of raw materials critical to production.
Yaeric cited the “lack of available rubber” as a major bottleneck, while Marco Polo Tile Group lamented the “insufficient access to clay,” which is vital to their ceramic and sanitary ware production line.
Dr. Awusi responded with an assurance of swift intervention.
“My vision aligns with the goal of transforming Ghana through job creation and enhanced value chains. The aim is to establish a 24-hour economy that promotes local productivity, substitutes imports, and boosts exports”
Dr. Mary Awusi, CEO of GFZA
“The rippling effects of business expansion, job creation, and export-oriented value addition resonate with the direction of the President,” she said.
She emphasized that her office was committed to ensuring that FZEs receive the necessary support to maintain operations, expand capacity, and contribute to national growth.
The Authority’s focus, under Dr. Awusi’s leadership, reflects a broader national policy framework designed by the current government to create employment through value addition and support for Ghanaian-owned businesses.
With President Mahama’s administration prioritizing Ghanaian-led industrialization, the GFZA is expected to play a “crucial role in creating a competitive environment,” for domestic manufacturers and exporters within the Free Zones scheme.
Excellence at Sterling International
Furthermore, the Ghana Free Zones Authority joined Sterling International Limited to celebrate its 15th anniversary as a licensed Free Zones Enterprise.
“The commemoration marked not only the company’s longevity but also its contribution to Ghana’s industrial landscape as a leading manufacturer and exporter of automotive and industrial paints”
GFZA
The GFZA delegation, led by Mr. Musah Siribi Hamidu, Deputy CEO for Finance & Administration, engaged with Sterling’s management team during the visit to discuss “the company’s operational journey and how the Authority could offer continued support to drive its growth.”
Other members of the delegation included Madam Patience Agbleze Acorlor, Director of Corporate Affairs & Public Relations, along with Ms. Ethel Muale, Ms. Jasmine Sinare, Mr. Ebenezer Kyeremeh, and Ms. Alberta Sai from the Corporate Affairs Department.
“The GFZA officials toured the company’s production facility, gaining insight into its manufacturing processes and commitment to quality control”
GFZA
Through the engagement, the Authority reaffirmed its dedication to nurturing strong partnerships with Free Zones Enterprises and facilitating their growth.
Strengthening Investments
Throughout the Western Region tour, Dr. Awusi took the opportunity to prospect for new investments into the Free Zones.
The Authority remains keen on attracting strategic investors whose operations align with the broader goal of building a resilient export-based economy underpinned by technology, sustainability, and inclusive job creation.
Her engagements signal a proactive step in fulfilling the GFZA’s new vision, one that prioritizes enterprise resilience, government support, and national industrial transformation under the current administration.
