The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) has joined stakeholders at an Economic Zones Policy Roundtable in Accra to discuss strategies for strengthening Ghana’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and boosting industrialisation, investment and job creation.
The roundtable, held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the Labadi Beach Hotel, was organised by the Economic Zones and Industrial Parks Chamber (EZC) in partnership with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the European Union Commission and the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry.
The event brought together government officials, chief executives, diplomats, policymakers and industry stakeholders to deliberate on measures to develop a more competitive and effective economic zones ecosystem aligned with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, who served as Guest of Honour, stressed the need for Ghana to increase domestic production while strengthening the capacity of local businesses to compete in regional and international markets.
She highlighted government’s support for strategic sectors including textiles and garments, pharmaceuticals, automotive manufacturing and agribusiness, noting that stronger SEZs, coupled with the opportunities presented by AfCFTA, could help expand markets for Ghanaian products and accelerate industrial growth.
Representing the GFZA on a panel discussion on advancing Ghana’s economic zones, the Authority’s Deputy Chief Executive for Operations, Lateef Apau Wiredu, outlined the GFZA’s role in facilitating investment, improving competitiveness and promoting collaboration across sectors.
Mr. Wiredu highlighted the Authority’s investment incentives, available landbanks, investor-friendly environment and aftercare services as key advantages for businesses seeking to establish or expand operations in Ghana.
He said the transition towards a broader Special Economic Zones framework provides an opportunity to strengthen the existing Free Zones programme, attract more investment, promote value addition and improve Ghana’s export competitiveness.
Other GFZA officials who attended the roundtable included the Director of Corporate Affairs, PR and Aftercare, Dr. Patience Agbleze Acorlor; Director of Business Development and Research, Lawrence Osei-Boateng; Head of AfCFTA and Strategic Partnerships, Kingsford Jagre; and Senior Manager for Corporate Affairs, PR and Aftercare, Bilal Muazu Sulemana.
