The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), Dr. Mary Awusi, has reaffirmed Ghana's commitment to attracting export-oriented investments, describing the country's 24-hour economy agenda as a catalyst for industrialisation, trade expansion and sustainable economic growth.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, at the opening of the seventh Ghana Trade and Investment Week in Accra, Dr. Awusi said the government's vision is to build a competitive and resilient economy anchored on infrastructure, reliable energy, efficient logistics and a vibrant private sector.
The three-day event, organised by MIE Group in partnership with Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) and GBS Services, has brought together policymakers, investors, development partners and business leaders to explore investment opportunities across key sectors of Ghana's economy.
Dr. Awusi said the theme, "24-Hour Economy: Integrating Infrastructure, Energy, Mobility and Sustainable Real Estate for Investment and Trade Competitiveness," aligns closely with the strategic direction of the Ghana Free Zones Authority.
The theme is both timely and forward-looking. It reflects Ghana's aspiration to build an economy that is productive, competitive and resilient—one that is supported by modern infrastructure, reliable energy, efficient logistics and a dynamic private sector," she said.
She noted that the Free Zones Authority remains committed to creating an enabling environment that attracts export-oriented investments, promotes value addition, supports industrialisation and creates sustainable employment.
According to her, Ghana continues to position itself as a preferred manufacturing and export hub in Africa through an attractive incentive regime and improved investor facilitation.
Dr. Awusi highlighted several incentives available to Free Zones enterprises, including a 10-year corporate tax holiday, reduced tax rates thereafter, exemptions from import duties and levies on production inputs, unrestricted repatriation of profits and protection against double taxation.
Our mandate is to attract strategic local and foreign investment, promote industrialisation, increase exports and create sustainable employment opportunities. We continue to provide end-to-end investor facilitation and aftercare services to support businesses throughout their investment journey," she stated.
She added that investors in Ghana also benefit from preferential access to major international markets through trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the Ghana-UK Trade Partnership Agreement and the Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union.
Dr. Awusi urged participants to use the forum to establish partnerships and explore Ghana's growing investment opportunities.
Together, we can build a stronger Ghana, strengthen our industries, expand exports and create quality jobs for our mutual benefit," she said.
Chairman of the event, Ga Mantse Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, underscored the critical role of traditional authorities in the successful implementation of the government's 24-hour economy policy.
He said the policy presents a transformative opportunity to increase productivity, stimulate industrial growth and create employment, but stressed that its success depends on stability, inclusiveness and collaboration.
Ghana's 24-hour economy policy presents a transformative opportunity for increased productivity, industrial growth and, most importantly, job creation. However, for this vision to succeed, it must be anchored on stability, inclusiveness and trust," he said.
T
he Ga Mantse noted that traditional leaders remain key partners in facilitating access to land for infrastructure and real estate development, maintaining peace and security, and promoting skills development and youth employment within their communities.
The government, the private sector, development partners and traditional authorities must work together. The realisation of Ghana's economic transformation agenda depends on this collaboration," he added.
The seventh Ghana Trade and Investment Week is expected to deepen trade partnerships, attract new investments and advance discussions on Ghana's industrial transformation and competitiveness under the 24-hour economy agenda.
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