In a strategic move to reinforce the nation’s Industrialization agenda and stabilize the high-growth service sector, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), Dr. Mary Awusi, led a high-powered management delegation on a series of working visits to three key Free Zones Enterprises (FZEs).
This oversight mission is a central component of the GFZA’s commitment to “Aftercare,” ensuring that companies operating under the Free Zones Scheme are not only compliant but are also receiving the structural support necessary to scale their operations within the competitive West African landscape.
“The visit comes at a time when the GFZA is aggressively promoting the 24-Hour Economy, and the enterprises visited – spanning Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), robotics, and asset integrity – serve as the blueprint for this shift.
“By engaging directly with the leadership of eSAL Services Africa Limited, Fortress Asset Integrity Solution Limited, and Buwelo Ghana, the GFZA positioned itself as a proactive partner in the expansion of Ghana’s digital and engineering exports”
Ghana Free Zones Authority
The delegation’s first stop was eSAL Services Africa Limited, a titan in the BPO and technology solutions space. eSAL embodies the Administration’s vision for a round-the-clock workforce, operating a seamless 24-hour service with three shifts and a workforce exceeding 300 employees.
The company provides critical customer service and digital solutions to the telecommunications and financial sectors, proving that Ghana can compete globally in the high-stakes world of outsourced services.
Dr. Mary Awusi particularly noted the company’s forward-thinking approach to inclusivity. eSAL’s plans to expand its training programs specifically for women and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) align perfectly with the national goal of ensuring that Industrialization provides equitable opportunities for all.
By focusing on soft skills development for these historically excluded groups, eSAL is not just creating jobs; it is building a specialized talent pool that enhances Ghana’s reputation as a premium BPO destination.
Robotics and Engineering
According to the GFZA, the second leg of the tour took the team to Fortress Asset Integrity Solution Limited, a company that represents the cutting edge of Ghana’s Industrialization.
Specializing in robot manufacturing and engineering services for the oil and gas sector, Fortress showcased its flagship ATR-MP robot – an intelligent system capable of performing “high-risk cleaning, inspection, and repair tasks in oil tanks through remote direction,” significantly reducing human exposure to hazardous environments.
For the Administration, the success of Fortress is a testament to the fact that “Made in Ghana” now includes high-end robotics and digital asset management.
With a lean but highly specialized staff of thirty-three (33) professionals, the company’s plans for expansion indicate a growing confidence in Ghana’s ability to provide technical engineering solutions to the global energy market. The GFZA’s visit focused on how to further support this niche but high-value sector through the Free Zones framework.
The final stop was at Buwelo Ghana, another BPO powerhouse that has become a benchmark for operational excellence under the Free Zones Scheme. With a staggering workforce of 900 employees, Buwelo provides top-tier customer care and digital support to an international clientele.
“The GFZA team commended Buwelo for its outstanding operations and recognized it as one of the top BPO companies under the Free Zones Scheme.” What sets Buwelo apart, as noted by the GFZA management, is its “human-centered,” work environment and its commitment to competitive remuneration, which has led to high levels of employee retention and compliance.
Beyond its economic contributions, Buwelo has integrated itself into the local fabric through significant Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. From constructing boreholes and schools to its upcoming plans for two computer laboratories in Teshie, the company is demonstrating that Industrialization can go hand-in-hand with community development.
Dr. Awusi praised the company for its compliance and its role as a model corporate citizen within the Free Zones enclave.
Sustaining Commitment
The strategic visit by the GFZA leadership – which included Dr. Patience Acorlor (Director for Aftercare), Hajia Hanatu Abubakar (Administration), and Mrs. Joyce Amapps (Monitoring) – highlighted the Authority’s hands-on regulatory approach.
The GFZA is no longer just a licensing body; it has evolved into an Aftercare specialist focused on identifying and removing the operational hurdles that hinder investment expansion.
Dr. Mary Awusi reiterated that the GFZA’s mission is to create a “supportive and enabling environment” that encourages companies to reinvest and expand. Whether navigating regulatory hurdles or providing the infrastructure needed for shifts under the 24-Hour Economy mandate, the GFZA is committed to ensuring that Free Zones Enterprises remain the engine of Ghana’s non-traditional exports.
The 2026 fiscal year is a critical juncture for Ghana’s “Economic Reset,” and the performance of the Free Zones sector is a primary metric of success. The diversity of the companies visited – from BPO to robotics – shows that the Administration’s strategy of diversifying the economy is yielding results.
By supporting these enterprises, the GFZA is not just protecting existing investments; it is inviting the next wave of global firms to see Ghana as a hub for innovation and service excellence. As these enterprises prepare for their next phases of expansion, the GFZA has pledged to remain an active partner in their journey.
The commitment to Industrialization, the 24-Hour Economy, and inclusive growth remains the guiding light for the Authority as it works to solidify Ghana’s position as the leading investment destination in the sub-region.
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