The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) has renewed its call for foreign direct investment, urging Turkish businesses to take advantage of Ghana’s Free Zones scheme during the 2025 World Cooperation Industries (WCI) Ghana Forum held at the Marriott Hotel in Accra.
Addressing participants on behalf of the GFZA Chief Executive Officer, the Authority’s Deputy CEO in charge of Operations, Mr. Lateef Apau Wiredu, pointed to the absence of Turkish enterprises within Ghana’s Free Zones enclave. He described the situation as an untapped opportunity that investors from Türkiye could swiftly capitalize on.
“Currently, there is no Turkish enterprise operating in our Free Zones. This is an opportunity that must be explored,” Mr. Wiredu stated. In his keynote remarks, he highlighted the Ghana Free Zones Authority’s role in creating an enabling environment for export-oriented investment.
He outlined a host of attractive incentives under the Free Zones regime, including tax holidays and duty exemptions, and positioned Ghana as a gateway for Turkish companies seeking access to regional markets through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“We remain committed to promoting export-oriented investments through a competitive incentive regime that includes tax holidays and duty exemptions”
Mr. Lateef Apau Wiredu, Deputy CEO of GFZA
The Forum, which was organised by the Office of the Commercial Counsellor of the Turkish Embassy, brought together over 50 Turkish companies, Ghanaian public and private sector institutions, trade and investment bodies, and development partners. It offered a high-level platform for networking and business-to-business (B2B) engagement.
Mr. Wiredu underscored the strong and long-standing bilateral relationship between Ghana and Türkiye, encouraging Turkish investors to view Ghana not only as a destination for business but as a hub for regional trade.
He noted that Ghana’s strategic location, stable political environment and access to regional trade frameworks offered compelling advantages.
Private Sector Expansion
Other speakers at the Forum reinforced the message of mutual cooperation and investment readiness.
Among them was the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Member of Parliament for Akatsi South, Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, who applauded the Ghana-Türkiye partnership and urged for sustained dialogue and technical collaboration.
Also present was the President of WCI, Mr. Utku Bengisu, who reaffirmed the commitment of Turkish businesses to deepen their engagement with Ghana, especially in the sectors of construction, textiles, energy, and industrial development.
The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) was represented by Deputy CEO Mr. Abdul Razak Baba, who stressed the country’s conducive investment climate and highlighted reforms undertaken to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks for foreign investors.
The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), represented by Deputy CEO Mr. Iddrisu D. Mahmoud, echoed support for private sector expansion, while Mr. Rockson Dogbegah, Chairman of the Construction Sector at the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), called for increased Turkish participation in Ghana’s industrial infrastructure projects.
B2B Engagements
GFZA capitalised on the event’s B2B structure to directly interact with Turkish business leaders. Through one-on-one sessions and networking, the Authority explained the strategic advantages of operating within Ghana’s Free Zones.
These include full repatriation of profits, minimal regulatory hurdles for exports, and access to key logistics corridors across West Africa.
The Authority’s participation aimed to translate dialogue into investment commitments and promote partnerships that align with its broader agenda of inclusive growth and shared economic prosperity.
According to the Ghana Free Zones Authority, “The forum was an opportunity to engage export-oriented businesses and promote the Free Zones concept through networking and B2B sessions.”
The 2025 WCI Ghana Forum forms part of a larger initiative to strengthen commercial diplomacy between Ghana and Türkiye.
As Ghana continues to prioritise industrialisation and export-led development, officials believe the inclusion of Turkish businesses in its Free Zones will inject capital, skills, and innovation into key growth sectors.
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