President John Dramani Mahama has announced government funding support for the development of the 1,238-acre Afienya Industrial Park in the Greater Accra Region, as part of efforts to advance Ghana’s industrialisation agenda.
The President made the announcement during a sod-cutting ceremony to mark the commencement of development of the industrial park, which is expected to attract investment, create jobs and expand the country’s manufacturing and export capacity.
The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) led by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Mary Awusi has welcomed the funding commitment under the government’s New Economy Programme, describing it as an important step towards advancing the project.
According to the Authority, the park’s strategic location near Tema Harbour and Kotoka International Airport could make it an attractive destination for manufacturing, agro-processing, technology and other export-oriented industries.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Mary Awusi highlighted the contribution of Ghana’s Free Zones Scheme to national development.
The Scheme currently has 334 licensed enterprises, supporting more than 78,155 direct jobs and over 84,000 indirect jobs, according to figures presented at the event.
In 2025, the Scheme recorded US$3.1 billion in exports, while exports had reached US$1.4 billion as of the second quarter of 2026.
The GFZA stressed the need to review the Value Added Tax (VAT) and Customs Acts to protect the incentives available to businesses operating under the Free Zones Scheme.
The proposed reviews, the CEO said, would help preserve investor confidence and maintain Ghana’s competitiveness as an investment destination.
The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry and Chairperson of the GFZA Board, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to promoting the Afienya Industrial Park internationally to attract investors.
The Authority said the development could create opportunities for increased investment, employment and export growth while strengthening Ghana’s participation in regional and global value chains.
It added that it would continue working with the government and other partners to transform the proposed industrial park into a thriving industrial hub capable of delivering sustainable economic benefits.
The government’s funding commitment and the proposed review of the VAT and Customs Acts are expected to support efforts to develop the park and strengthen the broader investment environment.
