The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), Dr. Mary Awusi, has announced that the Tema Export Processing Zone has reached full capacity, prompting government plans to develop a new industrial enclave at Afienya to accommodate growing investor interest and expand Ghana’s export-driven industrial sector.
According to Dr. Awusi, the proposed Afienya Export Processing Zone is being strategically developed close to the Tema Port to provide serviced industrial land and modern infrastructure for export-oriented businesses.
She explained that the new enclave forms part of Ghana’s broader strategy to strengthen its export-led industrialization agenda while creating jobs and expanding opportunities for both local and international investors.
Dr. Awusi made these remarks during the commissioning of the world’s largest calcined clay plant at the Free Zones Enclave in Tema on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
First Plug-and-Play Export Processing Facility
Providing further details on the Afienya project, Dr. Awusi revealed that the enclave is expected to become Ghana’s first plug-and-play export processing facility, designed to allow investors to quickly establish operations without the delays associated with infrastructure development.
Under this concept, the zone will provide ready-to-use facilities such as roads, electricity, water supply, drainage systems, and factory-ready land, enabling companies to move directly into production once they arrive.
“This development will enhance investor confidence, accelerate job creation, and boost exports,” Dr. Awusi stated.
She noted that the initiative forms part of the government’s efforts to strengthen Ghana’s position as a competitive investment destination and an emerging industrial hub in West Africa.
Landmark Calcined Clay Plant Commissioned
The announcement of the new enclave coincided with the commissioning of the world’s largest calcined clay plant at the Tema Free Zones Enclave, a landmark industrial project expected to transform cement production in Ghana and beyond.
Dr. Awusi described the occasion as a celebration of bold vision, innovation, and confidence in Ghana’s industrial future, emphasizing that the project represents a significant step toward environmentally sustainable manufacturing.
The plant, developed by CBI Ghana Limited, is designed to produce calcined clay — a key component used in reducing the clinker content in cement, thereby lowering carbon emissions and making cement production more environmentally friendly.
Industry experts say the adoption of calcined clay technology is an important global innovation aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of the cement industry while maintaining high-quality construction materials.
Confidence in Ghana’s Investment Climate
Dr. Awusi noted that the Tema Export Processing Zone, which accommodates both free zone and non-free zone enterprises, has played a crucial role in attracting strategic investments into Ghana’s manufacturing and export sectors.
She pointed out that companies like CBI Limited have been able to thrive within the enclave due to the supportive business environment created under the Free Zones programme.
According to her, the establishment of the state-of-the-art calcined clay plant demonstrates strong confidence in Ghana’s economic stability and the government’s policies designed to support industrial growth.
“By establishing this state-of-the-art facility, CBI Limited has demonstrated confidence in the government’s enabling environment for investors,” she said.
She added that the company represents the type of high-impact, sustainable, and innovative investment the Free Zones programme seeks to attract.
Strengthening Tema as an Industrial Hub
Dr. Awusi further indicated that investments such as the new calcined clay plant continue to strengthen the status of Tema as one of the leading industrial hubs in the West African sub-region.
With the Tema Export Processing Zone now fully occupied, she stressed that expanding industrial infrastructure through projects like the Afienya enclave will ensure that Ghana remains competitive in attracting global manufacturing and export businesses.
She expressed optimism that the development of the new enclave would unlock fresh economic opportunities, support Ghana’s industrial transformation agenda, and contribute significantly to job creation and export growth.
“The future of Ghana’s industrial development lies in strategic investments like these that combine innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness,” she added.
The planned Afienya Export Processing Zone is expected to further enhance Ghana’s capacity to host large-scale export-oriented industries, while deepening the country’s integration into global value chains.
