The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) is hosting a 26-member delegation from the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) at its Head Office in Accra.
The high level engagement was part of the pre-summit programme for the 3rd China–West Africa Medical and Health Industry, AI and Diagnosis Cooperation Summit and Expo, scheduled to take place in the coming weeks. This meeting is a platform for both sides to explore concrete investment opportunities under Ghana’s Free Zones Scheme, with particular focus on pharmaceuticals, healthcare, artificial intelligence, and medical diagnostics.
Welcoming the delegation, the Chief Executive Officer of GFZA, Dr. Mary Awusi, described the visit as timely and strategic. She noted that Ghana continues to position itself as one of the most attractive investment destinations on the continent, owing to its political stability, investor-friendly policies, and access to the wider African market through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Ghana is open for business through the Free Zones Programme. We offer investors a unique package of incentives, a skilled workforce, and a direct pathway to consumers across Africa under AfCFTA. We believe that partnerships with global players like China can help us accelerate industrialization, create jobs, and transfer technology.’’
Dr. Awusi
According to her, sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agro-processing, textiles, and light manufacturing have been prioritized because of their potential to address domestic needs while creating export opportunities.
The leader of the CCPIT delegation, Mr. Junchen Liu, expressed appreciation to GFZA for the warm reception and for organizing a comprehensive briefing. He said the delegation’s visit was aimed at gaining first-hand knowledge of Ghana’s investment climate and identifying areas where Chinese businesses can contribute meaningfully.
“We are impressed by the clarity of Ghana’s Free Zones policies and the commitment of the authority to support investors. China and Ghana have enjoyed strong diplomatic and trade relations over the years. This engagement allows us to explore how Chinese companies, especially in health and technology, can partner with Ghana to mutual benefit.’’
Mr. Liu
He added that Chinese enterprises are increasingly looking to expand into West Africa and that Ghana’s reputation as a stable and business-friendly country makes it a natural entry point. Mr. Liu indicated that the delegation would report back to CCPIT members and encourage more Chinese firms to consider Ghana for manufacturing and regional distribution hubs.
A Detailed Presentation on the Free Zone Programme
As part of the programme, the Director of Marketing and Investment Promotion at GFZA, Ms. Anita Novi Quashie, delivered a detailed presentation on the Free Zones Programme. She walked the delegation through the key components of the scheme, including investment incentives, licensing categories, and priority sectors. MS. Quashie explained that companies operating under the Free Zones Scheme enjoy benefits such as tax exemptions, duty free import of raw materials and machinery, and streamlined regulatory processes. She also highlighted the different licensing options available to investors, ranging from Free Zone Developer Licenses to Free Zone Enterprise Licenses.
A major highlight of her presentation was the emphasis on the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. She noted that Ghana is seeking to reduce its dependence on imported medicines and medical supplies by encouraging local production. The Free Zones Programme, she said, offers an ideal framework for pharmaceutical companies to set up manufacturing plants, leverage Ghana’s access to AfCFTA, and export across the region.
“Pharmaceuticals represent one of our priority sectors because of the demand across Africa and the need for value addition here in Ghana, with the right partnerships, we can build a robust pharmaceutical industry that serves not only Ghana but the entire West African sub-region. We are also looking at opportunities in medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health solutions, especially with the rise of AI in healthcare.’’
Dr. Awusi
She further explained how Ghana’s ratification and implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement gives Free Zone companies a competitive advantage. By locating in Ghana, investors can manufacture under the Free Zones incentives and still access preferential trade terms across 54 African countries.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for an interactive session, where members of the Chinese delegation asked questions about land acquisition, infrastructure, labour, and regulatory approvals. Officials from GFZA responded with detailed information and assured the delegation of the Authority’s commitment to providing aftercare services to investors.
Present at the meeting were the Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Finance and Administration, Mr. Hamidu Sibiri Musah; Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Operations, Mr. Lateef Apau Wiredu, as well as Directors and Senior Managers of the Authority. Their presence underscored the importance GFZA attaches to strengthening Ghana–China economic cooperation.
GFZA Readiness to Support Investors
Dr. Awusi reiterated GFZA’s readiness to support interested Chinese investors from initial application through to operationalization. She said the Authority has put in place dedicated teams to guide investors through the licensing process and to address any challenges they may encounter. The engagement forms part of GFZA’s broader investment promotion strategy to attract quality foreign direct investment into priority sectors.
Over the past year, the Authority has intensified outreach to markets in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, with encouraging results. Several new Free Zone enterprises have been licensed, and existing ones have expanded operations. GFZA believes that by partnering with countries like China that has advanced capabilities in medicine manufacturing and health technology, Ghana can build resilience and reduce import dependency.
The 3rd China–West Africa Medical and Health Industry, AI and Diagnosis Cooperation Summit and Expo is expected to bring together policymakers, investors, and health professionals to discuss cooperation in medical innovation, digital health, and pharmaceutical production. GFZA’s engagement with CCPIT is expected to set the tone for more business-to-business meetings during the main summit.
Mr. Liu presented Dr. Awusi with a token of appreciation on behalf of CCPIT, while Dr. Awusi presented the delegation with information packs on investment opportunities in Ghana. With the global economy shifting and African markets becoming more integrated, GFZA says it will continue to position Ghana as the preferred hub for investors seeking to access the continent. The Authority maintains that partnerships like the one with China are critical to achieving that goal and to driving sustainable industrial growth in Ghana.
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