The Ghana Free Zones Authority, GFZA, participated in the 5th Edition of the Canada Ghana Chamber of Commerce, CANCHAM, CEO’s Connect, a premier business networking platform held at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra.
The event brought together Chief Executive Officers, business leaders, investors, policymakers, entrepreneurs and other key stakeholders to discuss the evolving business landscape and explore opportunities for collaboration, investment and sustainable growth.
The annual CEO’s Connect has established itself as a strategic platform for business leaders to exchange ideas, share experiences, forge partnerships and discuss solutions to challenges affecting the private sector.
This year’s edition focuses on how businesses can navigate economic uncertainties, leverage opportunities within Ghana and across the continent, and position themselves for long-term competitiveness.
He used the opportunity to highlight the attractive incentives and opportunities available to businesses operating under the Free Zones programme and the broader Special Economic Zones, SEZ, framework being implemented by the GFZA.
According to him, Ghana’s Free Zones programme remains one of the most competitive on the continent, offering a comprehensive package of incentives designed to reduce the cost of doing business and enhance returns on investment.
These include 100 percent exemption from payment of direct and indirect duties and levies on all imports for production and exports from free zones, 100 percent exemption from income tax on profits for 10 years, exemption from withholding taxes, relief from double taxation for foreign investors, and free repatriation of dividends and profits.
He also noted that free zone enterprises enjoy 100 percent ownership of their businesses, no restrictions on repatriation of capital, and minimal customs formalities, supported by the Authority’s one-stop-shop services that facilitate business registration, licensing, and aftercare support.
Businesses Must Prioritise Data and Innovation
Beyond incentives, Mr. Musah made a strong case for businesses to place greater emphasis on data, research and innovation in their production and investment decisions. He argued that in an increasingly competitive global economy, access to reliable data and continuous investment in research and development are no longer optional but essential for survival and growth.
“Businesses must pay more attention to data, research and innovation. Reliable data is critical to understanding market trends, improving production efficiency, developing competitive products and making informed investment decisions.’’
Mr. Musah
He explained that companies that leverage market intelligence and innovation are better positioned to identify emerging opportunities, adapt to changing consumer preferences, reduce waste, and create value-added products that meet international standards.
Mr. Musah indicated that the GFZA is aligning its operations to support such innovation-led businesses, particularly in sectors such as agro-processing, textile and garment manufacturing, light manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and technology-enabled services.
He also highlighted the progress being made on the development of Special Economic Zones across the country, including the flagship 1,238-acre Afienya SEZ, which is being developed with integrated infrastructure, industrial enclaves, and access to reliable utilities to support large-scale manufacturing.
SEZ Framework to Position Ghana for AfCFTA Opportunities
The SEZ framework, he said, is expected to create industrial clusters that promote backward and forward linkages, boost value addition to Ghana’s natural resources, and position Ghana to take full advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA.
The GFZA’s participation in the CEO’s Connect, he stressed, forms part of its continued engagement with the private sector and the international business community to promote Ghana as an attractive destination for investment and export-oriented manufacturing.
He said the Authority sees platforms like the CANCHAM CEO’s Connect as vital for strengthening partnerships, understanding investor concerns, and communicating government policies aimed at improving the business environment. According to him, such collaborations are key to attracting quality investments that create jobs, transfer technology, and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
The event featured interactive panel discussions, networking sessions, and business-to-business engagements, providing participants with the opportunity to explore potential partnerships and discuss ways to enhance Ghana’s competitiveness as an investment destination.
Present at the event to support the Deputy CEO were the Director for Corporate Affairs, PR and Aftercare, Dr. Patience Agbeleze Acorlor; Director for Marketing and Investment Promotion, Ms. Anita Quashie; Director for Administration, Hajia Hanatu Abubakar; and Senior Manager for Corporate Affairs, Mr. Bilal Muazu.
The GFZA reiterated its commitment to continue engaging stakeholders at both local and international levels to showcase Ghana’s investment potential and to ensure that Ghana remains a preferred hub for export-led industrialisation in West Africa.
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