Dr. Mary Awusi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to review provisions of the new Customs and Value Added Tax (VAT) Acts, warning that the changes have eroded incentives available to free zone enterprises and affected the Authority’s revenue sources and financial projections.

Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony for the Afienya Industrial Park on October 15, 2026, Dr. Awusi said a predictable and consistent regulatory environment was essential to sustaining investor confidence and strengthening Ghana’s competitiveness as an investment destination.

The ceremony marked the commencement of development of the 1,238-acre industrial park, which is expected to accommodate businesses in manufacturing, agro-processing, textiles and apparel, pharmaceuticals, logistics, technology and renewable energy.

Dr. Awusi said the project represented a significant step towards expanding Ghana’s industrial infrastructure, attracting investment, creating employment and strengthening the country’s export capacity.

She urged the government to address regulatory challenges confronting free zone enterprises while supporting the infrastructure and financing requirements of the new industrial enclave.

”Of particular concern are provisions of the new Customs Act and VAT Act, which have eroded some of the incentives and benefits traditionally available to free zone enterprises.”
CEO of Ghana Free Zones Authority, Dr. Mary Awusi

Regulatory Stability Critical to Investment

Dr. Awusi emphasised that free zones and special economic zones remained important instruments for attracting foreign investment, facilitating technology transfer, expanding exports and creating jobs.

She said Ghana’s free zone scheme continued to contribute to economic diversification by supporting manufacturing, agro-processing, services and other productive activities.

According to her, the scheme had licensed 334 enterprises as of the second quarter of 2026, generating 78,155 direct jobs and more than 804,000 indirect jobs.

She added that exports from free zone enterprises reached US$3.1 billion in 2025, while approximately US$2.34 billion was recorded in the first half of 2026.

The figures, she explained, demonstrated the economic significance of the scheme and the need to maintain policies that encouraged businesses to invest and expand their operations.

However, Dr. Awusi cautioned that investment decisions depended on more than incentives, noting that businesses required reliable infrastructure and a stable regulatory environment to operate efficiently.

”The competitiveness of free zones depends on predictable, stable and consistent investment policies. Investors need confidence in the regulatory framework under which they make long term investment decisions.”
CEO of Ghana Free Zones Authority, Dr. Mary Awusi

She therefore called for the relevant provisions of the VAT and Customs laws to be reviewed and aligned with the Free Zones Act and the broader objectives of the free zones scheme.

The appeal places regulatory consistency among the key issues requiring attention as Ghana seeks to attract long term industrial investment and expand its export-oriented manufacturing base.

Afienya Park to Expand Industrial Capacity

Dr. Awusi described the Afienya Industrial Park as Ghana’s second nationally developed industrial park under the Ghana Free Zones Authority. Strategically located within the Greater Accra industrial corridor.

The park is expected to benefit from its proximity to Tema Harbour and Kotoka International Airport, providing businesses with access to domestic and international markets.

Covering approximately 1,238 acres, the enclave is designed to accommodate a range of industrial activities, including manufacturing, agro-processing, textiles, pharmaceuticals, logistics, technology and renewable energy.

Dr. Awusi disclosed that 14 companies had already been allocated land within the park, indicating investor interest before the commencement of development.

She said the project would draw lessons from the development and management of the Tema Export Processing Zone, which she described as demonstrating demand for well-serviced industrial space.

The Authority intends to incorporate roads, drainage, utilities, environmental management, security and fire safety into the development plan.

According to Dr. Awusi, the objective is to create an industrial environment where multinational companies can operate alongside Ghanaian enterprises, enabling local businesses to participate in international supply chains.

”Our vision is to transform Afienya into a modern, green and globally competitive industrial and export hub.”
CEO of Ghana Free Zones, Dr. Mary Awusi

She added that the project would provide opportunities for private-sector participation in power generation and distribution, water systems, telecommunications, internet infrastructure, warehouses and factory buildings.

The proposed development is also expected to support skills development and technology transfer, particularly for young people seeking employment in manufacturing and other industrial sectors.

Funding Partnerships Needed for Delivery

Despite the anticipated benefits, Dr. Awusi acknowledged that developing an industrial park of this scale would require substantial financial resources.

She said the Authority intended to commit part of its internally generated funds to the project but explained that these resources would not be sufficient to provide all the necessary infrastructure.

She consequently appealed to government, development partners, donor institutions and private investors to support the development and accelerate implementation.

“Although the Authority intends to commit part of our internally generated funds, these resources will not be sufficient to provide all the infrastructure required. We therefore appeal to government, development partners, donor institutions, and private investors to support the project and accelerate its development.”
CEO of Ghana Free Zones, Dr. Mary Awusi

Dr. Awusi said effective planning, adequate infrastructure and strong partnerships would determine the project’s success, adding that the park must meet international standards and provide businesses with the conditions required for efficient operations.

She said the Authority remained optimistic that the development would strengthen Ghana’s productive capacity, increase exports, create jobs and improve the country’s participation in regional and global trade.

She concluded that the Afienya Industrial Park offered an opportunity to establish a lasting foundation for Ghana’s industrial development, provided that the necessary financing, infrastructure and supportive regulatory framework were secured.

For the Authority, the next phase will involve translating the project’s industrial vision into a functioning investment destination while addressing policy concerns that could affect the competitiveness of existing and prospective free zone enterprises.

The success of the enclave will therefore depend not only on the availability of industrial land but also on coordinated investment, reliable infrastructure and a regulatory environment capable of supporting long-term business decision.