In a significant move to reinforce the bond between the state and its most resilient industrial partners, the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) has formally commemorated the 25th anniversary of Dufry & GTDC Limited as a Free Zone Enterprise.
A high-powered delegation from the Authority, led by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Administration, Mr. Hamidu Sibiri Musah, visited the duty-free giant’s headquarters in Accra to solidify a partnership that has served as a primary window for Ghanaian brands to reach the global market for a quarter of a century.
“This working visit was not merely a ceremonial gesture but a strategic “aftercare” engagement. The visit also formed part of the Authority’s ongoing stakeholder engagement and aftercare activities, aimed at strengthening relationships with companies operating under the Free Zones Scheme”
Ghana Free Zones Authority
Dufry & GTDC Ltd. occupies a unique niche within the Accelerated Export Development framework as a duty-free operator at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA), and serves as the final point of contact for international travelers exiting the country.
According to the GFZA, the enterprise acts as a silent ambassador for the nation’s Industrialization agenda by curating and showcasing “Made-in-Ghana” products.
The 25-year milestone is a testament to the stability of the Ghana Free Zones Scheme, proving that with the right regulatory environment, export-oriented businesses can achieve long-term sustainability and growth.
During the engagement, the Country General Manager of Dufry & GTDC Ltd., Mr. Sasidharan Anand Mangaiath, provided an in-depth briefing on the company’s operational evolution, with a central theme of the discussion being the company’s proactive role in promoting local brands.
In an era where the government is pushing for the consumption of local goods, the duty-free shops at KIA have become vital platforms for Ghanaian artisans, chocolatiers, and cosmetic manufacturers, placing high-quality local products alongside international luxury brands.
Management of Dufry & GTDC reaffirmed their commitment to this “local-first” strategy towards elevating the perceived value of Ghanaian craftsmanship on the global stage, noting that international travelers increasingly seek authentic, locally-produced souvenirs and luxury goods.
This alignment between the private sector’s retail strategy and the state’s export promotion agenda is a primary example of how the Free Zone Scheme drives Economic Transformation. Mr. Sibiri Musah commended this dedication, noting that the visibility provided by Dufry & GTDC is a crucial component of the nation’s strategy to increase non-traditional export revenues.
From Airports to Seaports
GFZA noted that the most forward-looking aspect of the 25th-anniversary visit was the revelation of Dufry & GTDC’s ambitious expansion roadmap, as the company revealed plans to “scale its duty-free retail operations to other domestic airports as they attain international status.”
This move anticipates the government’s vision of turning regional hubs like Kumasi and Tamale into major international gateways. Furthermore, the company revealed that it is exploring the establishment of retail outlets at the Port of Tema, a move that would significantly expand the reach of the “Made-in-Ghana” promotion to the maritime sector.
This expansion is deeply intertwined with the 24-Hour Economy initiative. Port-side retail and international airport operations naturally lend themselves to round-the-clock activity, and expanding into the Port of Tema, will create new shifts for workers, demand for 24-hour logistics, and increased opportunities for local suppliers to restock high-traffic retail outlets.
The GFZA pledged its full support for this expansion, viewing it as a catalyst for job creation and a way to deepen the footprint of the Free Zones Scheme across different transport corridors.
The visit by the GFZA delegation, which included the Director of Corporate Affairs, PR & Aftercare, Dr. Patience Agbleze Acorlor, and the Senior Manager of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Bilal Muazu Sulemana, underscored the Authority’s commitment to a proactive “Aftercare” model.
In the competitive landscape of West African trade, the GFZA is moving beyond mere regulation to act as a facilitator for its enterprises. This involves physically visiting companies and discussing operational challenges – ranging from logistics to regulatory bottlenecks – to ensure that the “enabling environment” is not just a policy slogan but a lived reality for investors.
Mr. Sibiri Musah reiterated that the GFZA’s commitment to Dufry & GTDC is a reflection of its commitment to all 300+ companies operating under the scheme, noting that the Authority’s role is to ensure that these enterprises can scale without friction, thereby contributing to the national goals of Industrialization and Prosperity.
As Dufry & GTDC prepares for its next chapter at the Port of Tema, the GFZA’s Aftercare Unit will be instrumental in navigating the cross-agency requirements of the maritime sector, ensuring a seamless transition for the duty-free operator.
As the 25th-anniversary celebrations conclude, the focus shifts to the future of Ghanaian retail on the international stage. The success of Dufry & GTDC proves that the Free Zone model is a powerful engine for building global brands.
The company’s intent to explore the Port of Tema signals a new frontier for “Export-Oriented Trade,” where the maritime industry becomes a showcase for national productivity.
By creating an environment where a private duty-free company can flourish for 25 years while simultaneously promoting the national interest, the GFZA is demonstrating the power of public-private synergy.
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