The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) has highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships, technology transfer and local manufacturing in strengthening Ghana’s industrial and economic development.
The Authority made the call at the opening ceremony of the 3rd China–West Africa Medical and Health Industry, AI Diagnosis and Project Cooperation Summit and Expo 2026, held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at the Ghana International Mall in Accra.
The three-day event, organised by the Health Community of West Africa Association (HCOWAA), is being held under the theme, “Strengthening China–West Africa Health Partnerships Through Innovation, Investment, Technology and Sustainable Healthcare Development.”
The summit has brought together representatives from 16 West African countries, 50 participants from the medical sector and about 300 exhibitors from China, Ghana and other African countries.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of the GFZA, Dr Mary Awusi, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Operations, Mr Lateef Apau Wiredu, said strategic partnerships were critical to advancing Ghana’s industrialisation and economic development.
He said the Authority was particularly interested in partnerships that went beyond trade and distribution to promote local manufacturing, technology transfer, research and development, skills training and innovation.
Mr Wiredu noted that Ghana’s longstanding relationship with China continued to create opportunities for investment, particularly in sectors considered critical to the country’s development.
He said the GFZA would continue to facilitate investments that contribute to industrial growth while positioning Ghana as a competitive destination for businesses seeking access to the Ghanaian and wider African markets.
The President of HCOWAA, Ms Sihong Jiang, said the summit provided an important platform for governments, healthcare institutions, investors and technology companies to exchange knowledge, explore partnerships and identify new investment opportunities in Ghana and across the continent.
In a keynote address, the Deputy Minister of Health, Professor Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, stressed the need for stronger partnerships, innovation, technology transfer, knowledge exchange and investment to build a resilient and modern healthcare system.
She said collaboration among governments, private-sector players and technology providers was essential to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring that African countries benefited from advances in medical technology.
The GFZA’s participation in the summit forms part of its broader mandate to facilitate investment, support industrial development and promote Ghana as an attractive investment destination.
The opening ceremony was also attended by the GFZA Director of Corporate Affairs, PR and Aftercare, Dr Patience Agbleze Acorlor; Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr Bilal Muazu; and other officials of the Authority.
