The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) has made a strong case for investment in Ghana’s agribusiness sector during its participation at the Africa Agriculture and Investment Summit held in London from 6th to 7th June 2025.
Organized by AgricWealth UK and Ghana, in collaboration with Ghana’s High Commission in the United Kingdom, the event took place under the theme, “Building Wealth Through Agriculture and Green Energy.”
Representing the Authority at the two-day summit, Mr. Lateef Apau Wiredu, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Operations), presented Ghana’s agricultural promise and highlighted the strategic advantages of investing through the Free Zones Scheme.
He called on international and African investors to take advantage of the investment-friendly framework Ghana has built around agro-processing, green energy, and export-oriented production.
“During his presentation, Mr. Apau Wiredu emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to industrializing agriculture through value addition at every stage of the value chain”
Ghana Free Zones Authority
He noted that Ghana’s Free Zones Programme offers unparalleled opportunities for agribusinesses to thrive in a duty-free, tax-efficient environment. “Ghana is committed to agribusiness growth through value addition at every stage of the value chain to promote job creation and export-led industrialization.”
Speaking during a panel discussion at the summit, Mr. Apau Wiredu reiterated that the Free Zones Programme allows investors to use Ghana not only as an entry point to West Africa but also as a competitive manufacturing base for global exports.
He encouraged the global business community to explore the programme’s potential in supporting high-value agro-processing ventures.
“Investors should take advantage of the Free Zones Programme to use Ghana as an investment destination and a manufacturing hub for exports to West Africa, Africa, and the broader global marketplace”
Mr. Lateef Apau Wiredu, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Operations)
Export-Led Agribusiness
The Authority’s presence at the summit aligns with Ghana’s wider economic agenda under Ghana’s new government which has prioritized inclusive industrial growth, sustainable agribusiness, and youth employment in the agricultural sector.
GFZA’s participation also reflects its strategic focus on turning Ghana’s raw agricultural outputs into high-value export commodities.
Mr. Apau Wiredu, underscored the role of the Free Zones Scheme in linking agriculture to international markets and green energy solutions. The panel discussion further addressed barriers to investment and strategies for creating wealth through sustainable agriculture across Africa.
The Ghana Free Zones Authority emphasized that “Ghana is positioning itself to become the industrial hub of West Africa by integrating green energy, value addition, and export incentives into its agribusiness strategy.”
The summit gathered prominent figures across government, trade, finance, and international development. It featured distinguished speakers including Dr. Peter Boamah Otukonor, Director of Presidential Special Initiatives on Agriculture and Agribusiness, and Dr. Edwini Kessie, Head of Agriculture and Commodities at the World Trade Organization in Geneva.
It also had Mr. Bright Evans Darko of Ghana EximBank, Mrs. Diana Afriyie Addo, Head of Trade and Investment at Ghana’s High Commission in the UK, and Dr. Wisdom Dogbey, Managing Director of Cocoa Marketing Company.
The Ghana Free Zones Authority delegation also included Hajia Hanatu Abubakar-Bimi, Director of Administration, who joined Mr. Apau Wiredu in engaging potential investors and stakeholders throughout the event.
The summit aimed to foster deeper partnerships between African states and the diaspora in unlocking the economic potential of agriculture through investment, technology, and policy alignment.
Ghana’s representation demonstrated its readiness to position the agricultural sector as a vehicle for industrial transformation, export growth, and economic inclusion.
By participating in such global platforms, the Ghana Free Zones Authority continues to pursue its mandate of attracting export-driven investment and aligning Ghana’s economic goals with regional and international markets.
The Authority believes that structured collaboration and incentive-led participation will significantly advance the country’s economic competitiveness in agro-industrial sectors.
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