The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) has marked a significant milestone in the nation’s industrial history this week, with a high-profile celebration of corporate longevity, as it formally recognized Sono Industrial Limited and Koranco Farms Limited for their decades of “unwavering partnership,” under the Free Zones Scheme.
These presentations, delivered on behalf of the GFZA’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mary Awusi, by the Director of Corporate Affairs, PR & Aftercare, Dr. Patience Agbleze Acorlor, served as a powerful validation of Ghana’s capacity to retain and scale high-value export enterprises over multiple political and economic cycles.
“The GFZA extends its warmest congratulations to Koranco Farms and Sono Industrial on these remarkable milestones. Their sustained growth, innovation, and dedication continue to strengthen the Free Zones ecosystem and contribute significantly to Ghana’s industrial transformation”
Ghana Free Zones Authority
In a series of commemorative ceremonies held in Accra, the Authority noted that the sustained success of these two firms is the “proof of concept” for the Industrialization and Accelerated Export Development pillars, and the GFZA’s Aftercare Unit is focused on the “retention of such excellence.”
The recognition of a 20-year fruit processing powerhouse and a 15-year pineapple export leader proves that the Free Zones ecosystem is no longer a temporary tax haven, but a permanent foundation for Ghana’s global trade ambitions.
The spotlight of the first ceremony fell on Sono Industrial Limited, a fruit and vegetable processing firm that has navigated the complexities of the global supply chain for twenty years. Receiving the 20-Year commemorative plaque, Production Manager Mr. Aikins represented a workforce that has become a benchmark for value-added agriculture in the sub-region.
He explained how through processing raw fruits and vegetables into high-demand exports, Sono Industrial has directly supported Ghana’s food security drive – not just by growing food, but by ensuring that Ghanaian produce reaches international shelves with the “Made in Ghana,” premium.
The 20-year milestone for Sono Industrial is particularly significant within the context of the agribusiness revolution. As Ghana pushes for modernized processing capabilities, Sono Industrial stands as a veteran architect of the sector.
Their ability to maintain consistent quality and export volumes for two decades is a testament to the “Aftercare” support provided by the GFZA, which ensures that operational bottlenecks are cleared before they can threaten production cycles.
Koranco Farms
The celebrations continued, with Koranco Farms Limited being honored next for fifteen years of “steadfast dedication,” to the Free Zones Scheme. Marketing Manager Ms. Rhoda K. Essel accepted the plaque, highlighting the farm’s role as a primary driver of Ghana’s pineapple export sector.
According to the GFZA, in an era where global agricultural standards are increasingly stringent, Koranco Farms has managed to remain competitive, expanding its reach across European and Middle Eastern markets while maintaining a robust domestic footprint.
For the Authority, Koranco Farms represents the “industrial farm” model that Ghana needs to replicate nationwide. They have integrated large-scale production with sophisticated export logistics, and proven that agribusiness is the most viable path to rapid job creation and foreign exchange mobilization.
The 15-year partnership with the GFZA demonstrates that when the state provides the right fiscal incentives and regulatory stability, local agribusinesses can outlive market volatility and become permanent fixtures of the national economy.
The presence of the Aftercare Unit, led by Dr. Patience Agbleze Acorlor and Senior Manager of Corporate Affairs Mr. Bilal Muazu Sulemana, underscored the GFZA’s commitment to proactive partnerships.
The Authority recognized that providing tax breaks is only the first step, as the true challenge lies in the day-to-day operational support that allows a firm like Sono Industrial to survive for twenty years. This includes “navigating customs, ensuring utility stability, and facilitating the frictionless movement of goods through Ghana’s ports.”
This “stewardship” model is a core component of the GFZA’s operations, and celebrating these milestones signals to prospective global investors that Ghana is a “safe harbor,” for long-term capital.
The commemorative plaques are more than just awards; they are certificates of stability. They tell a story of a country that honors its commitments to the private sector and works tirelessly to ensure that the “Free Zones,” label remains a synonym for industrial excellence and export reliability.
As the GFZA moves forward into the second quarter of 2026, the focus remains on identifying the “next generation” of milestones. The Authority is actively mapping younger enterprises that have the potential to reach the 15 and 20-year marks set by Koranco and Sono.
Under the leadership of Dr. Mary Awusi, the GFZA is evolving into a high-performance “industrial concierge,” ensuring that the Accelerated Export Development strategy is fueled by companies that are built to last.
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