In a high-level engagement aimed at deepening South-South cooperation, the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) has opened its doors to a major educational and agribusiness investment from Pakistan.
This follows the Chief Executive Officer of the GFZA, Dr. Mary Awusi, hosting a distinguished delegation from Riphah International University, Islamabad.
Led by the University’s Chancellor, Mr. Hassan Muhammad Khan, the visit signals a strategic move to leverage Ghana’s Free Zones enclave as a hub for Pakistan’s expanding medical and educational footprint in West Africa.
“The meeting follows the inaugural Ghana-Pakistan Bilateral Political Consultations held just weeks ago, where both nations committed to converting longstanding diplomatic goodwill into tangible economic projects.
“For the GFZA, this partnership represents a pivotal diversification of its investment portfolio, moving beyond traditional manufacturing into high-value service exports like medical research and international education”
GFZA
Dr. Mary Awusi, who has been a vocal advocate for “Research-to-Industry” linkages since taking office, commended the Riphah leadership for their proactive approach.
She provided a comprehensive briefing on the Free Zones Scheme, emphasizing the generous fiscal and non-fiscal incentives designed to de-risk large-scale investments. These include 10-year corporate tax holidays, 100% duty exemptions on imported equipment, and the legal guarantee of 100% foreign ownership.
Chancellor Hassan Muhammad Khan expressed a specific interest in three high-growth areas: agribusiness, medical infrastructure, and branch campus establishment.
Riphah International University is renowned for its strength in health sciences, and the delegation explored the possibility of setting up specialized teaching hospitals and research labs within the Free Zones to serve the sub-region.
“Dr. Awusi commended the leadership of Riphah International University for its forward-looking approach to building bridges between academia and industry”
GFZA
Ghana-Pakistan Corridor
The discussion also touched on capacity building and student exchange programmes.
By aligning Riphah’s academic rigour with the GFZA’s industrial infrastructure, both parties aim to create a “knowledge enclave,” that supports the John Dramani Mahama administration’s goal of a high-skilled, 24-hour economy.
According to GFZA, this collaboration is expected to provide Ghanaian students and professionals with access to cutting-edge Pakistani medical technology and agribusiness practices.
The presence of the GFZA’s senior directors, including Dr. Patience Agbleze Acorlor (Corporate Affairs) and Mrs. Evelyn Oye Asante (Human Resources), underscored the Authority’s readiness to move these discussions from the boardroom to the implementation phase.
As Ghana continues to position itself as the “Gateway to West Africa” under the AfCFTA, the attraction of international universities and medical hubs is seen as a key differentiator.
A branch campus of Riphah International University would not only generate direct foreign exchange but also position Ghana as a regional destination for medical tourism and higher education.
“Both parties agreed to continue discussions aimed at fostering academic cooperation, research collaboration and investment initiatives to strengthen Ghana–Pakistan relations”
GFZA
The Authority reiterated that it remains committed to establishing free zones in Ghana to promote economic development and regulate export-oriented businesses through strategic international partnerships.
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