The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) recently transitioned from its administrative headquarters to the industrial frontlines as the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mary Awusi, spearheaded a high-level strategic working visit to the Tema Free Zone Enclave.
Accompanied by a full management contingent, the CEO moved beyond desk-bound regulation and conducted a “boots-on-the-ground” assessment of the operational health, compliance, and job-retention metrics of Ghana’s primary export engines.
“The visit formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration, assess operations, and address emerging challenges. Dr. Awusi commended the companies for their contribution to job creation and reiterated the GFZA’s commitment to supporting free zone enterprises”
Ghana Free Zones Authority
Dr. Awusi’s presence in the enclave reinforced that the GFZA is no longer merely an “incentive provider,” but an active industrial partner focused on removing challenges that will hinder 24-hour production cycles.
The two enterprises selected for this audit – Rebecca Fashion Manufacturing Ghana Ltd. and MND Metals Company Limited – represent the twin pillars of Ghana’s modern industrial strategy: high-volume consumer goods and specialized raw material processing.
The first stop of the strategic audit was Rebecca Fashion Manufacturing Ghana Ltd., a powerhouse in the production of human and synthetic hair wigs.
This enterprise, which has its footprint deep into the AfCFTA territory, with established export corridors to South Africa, Togo, and Burkina Faso, utilizes a massive workforce of over 400 staff to convert raw materials into high-demand fashion exports.
During the facility tour, Dr. Awusi focused on the company’s ability to sustain its workforce while scaling its regional exports. Management at Rebecca Fashion expressed their appreciation for the GFZA’s “Aftercare” support, which has been instrumental in navigating the cross-border logistics of the West African sub-region.
The GFZA noted that By securing 400 stable industrial jobs, Rebecca Fashion is not only contributing to the national GDP but is also serving as a stabilized anchor for Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy in the Tema district, where consistent shifts are essential for community economic resilience.
MND Metals
The delegation then moved to MND Metals Company Limited, a specialized processor of aluminium and copper scrap into industrial ingots.
Established as a Free Zones Enterprise in 2016, MND Metals has achieved a rare “100% Export” status, sending its entire production volume to high-value international markets including India, Turkey, Italy, Spain, and Greece. With a workforce exceeding 500 employees, the company represents the pinnacle of Ghana’s “Value-Added” metal strategy.
Dr. Awusi’s visit to MND Metals was particularly timely, coming on the heels of the Ministry’s recent crackdown on raw scrap flight. MND Metals serves as the perfect model for the Scrap Export Ban philosophy – taking domestic scrap and refining it into a globally tradable industrial product.
Beyond its export numbers, the CEO praised the company’s commitment to human capital development, noting its extensive vocational training programs and community initiatives.
“Dr. Awusi praised MND Metals for its strong performance and compliance with Free Zones regulations. She reiterated the GFZA’s commitment to supporting free zone enterprises and encouraged the company to invest more in corporate social responsibility initiatives”
Ghana Free Zones Authority
A significant feature of this strategic visit was the inclusion of the GFZA’s top-tier technical leadership. Dr. Awusi was joined by Dr. Patience Agbleze Acorlor (Director of Corporate Affairs, PR and Aftercare), Hajia Hanatu Abubakar (Director of Administration), and Mr. Michael Larbi (Head of Compliance).
The presence of the Head of Compliance alongside the Aftercare Director sent a dual message to the enclave, that though the Authority is here to support growth, that support is predicated on absolute adherence to Free Zones regulations.
The on-site inspections of production logs, workforce welfare, and export documentation, ensures that the “Free Zones” brand remains a global synonym for quality and integrity.
Mr. Michael Larbi’s team conducted real-time assessments of operational compliance, while the Aftercare Unit identified specific logistics hurdles that the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry (MoTAI) will need to address to facilitate even higher export volumes in the second half of 2026.
The Tema visit concluded with a management briefing where Dr. Awusi challenged the enterprises to look beyond their current export targets. With the Accelerated Export Development strategy in full swing, the GFZA is pushing for its enterprises to become the primary beneficiaries of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol.
The CEO emphasized that the government is building the infrastructure – both digital and physical – to support companies that operate on a 24-hour basis and maintain a high “local content” ratio in their management and workforce.
As the GFZA management team departed the Tema Enclave, the focus now shifts to the implementation of the feedback gathered during the tour “strategic audit,” tour.
