The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), Dr. Mary Awusi, has reinforced the Authority’s commitment to strengthening engagement with Free Zone Enterprises after a working visit to two major facilities in the Tema Export Processing Zone (EPZ).
Dr. Awusi visited Cargill Ghana Limited and Bunge Loders Croklaan Ghana Limited, two prominent players in Ghana’s cocoa and shea butter processing sectors.
“The familiarization visit, part of GFZA’s broader stakeholder engagement strategy, provided the CEO with insights into operations on the ground while reaffirming the Authority’s resolve to support export-led industrial growth under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration”
GFZA
At Cargill Ghana Limited, Managing Director Max Essoh Latte, detailed the company’s expansion in production capacity. He attributed this growth to the Free Zones scheme’s incentive structure, describing it as a decisive factor in the company’s Ghana operations.
“The Free Zones scheme has enabled us to significantly increase our production footprint. We’ve also added a Licensed Buying Company to engage directly with farmers and introduce new trading models focused on traceability and sustainability”
Max Essoh Latte, Managing Director at Cargill Ghana Limited
Mr. Latte explained that Cargill’s investment in “direct sourcing and sustainable practices” reflects its long-term confidence in Ghana’s industrial potential and the enabling role of GFZA.
At Bunge Loders Croklaan Ghana Limited, West Africa General Manager, Santanu Kumar Bhuyan, presented a different yet equally impactful story of innovation and community collaboration.
“We’re working with development partners to plant 100,000 shea trees, building sustainable supply chains. Additionally, we’ve provided picking rollers to local women who collect shea nuts. This has significantly improved their productivity and income”
Santanu Kumar Bhuyan, West Africa General Manager at Bunge Loders Croklaan Ghana Limited
He emphasized that the company’s model combines “export competitiveness with tangible social empowerment,” especially for women involved in the shea value chain.
GFZA Responds
Responding to the presentations, Dr. Mary Awusi commended both companies for their commitment to “responsible business practices, innovation, and inclusive development.”
She reaffirmed GFZA’s support for enterprises aligning with Ghana’s industrial transformation and social equity goals.
“We are encouraged by the innovation and impact demonstrated here. Some of the concerns raised at our earlier meetings are already being addressed, and we’re pushing through the rest with sector Ministers.
“Our goal is to ensure these investments become enduring pillars of Ghana’s economy”
Dr. Mary Awusi, CEO of GFZA
She specifically praised Cargill for its alignment with the “government’s 24-Hour Economy Policy,” a flagship programme of the Mahama administration aimed at maximising national productivity across sectors.
“These are the kinds of contributions we seek from Free Zone Enterprises, ones that go beyond profit to transform communities and strengthen Ghana’s competitiveness”
Dr. Mary Awusi, CEO of GFZA
Dr. Awusi also expressed admiration for Bunge Loders’ shea initiative and its focus on gender empowerment, noting that such projects illustrate the “intersection of industrial growth” and inclusive development.
The visit reinforced GFZA’s stance as a proactive and responsive partner to enterprises driving Ghana’s export-oriented strategy.
With Free Zone Enterprises (FZE’s) accounting for a significant share of Ghana’s non-traditional exports, Dr. Awusi’s tour signals continuity, accountability, and alignment with President Mahama’s industrial agenda.
She was accompanied on the visit by Deputy CEO (Operations), Mr. Apau Wiredu Lateef, and other senior officials of the Authority. GFZA has announced plans for more site visits in the coming months to further “solidify collaboration with enterprises,” and accelerate the resolution of operational bottlenecks.
“These visits aren’t ceremonial. They are action-driven, and they are about ensuring that Free Zone Enterprises get the support they need to succeed. Our door remains open, and we will keep walking with our partners to build an export-led future”
Dr. Mary Awusi, CEO of GFZA
As Ghana pursues sustained industrial expansion and job creation, especially under a government committed to a 24-Hour Economy, GFZA’s continued dialogue with industry leaders positions it as a central player in reshaping Ghana’s trade and investment landscape.
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