The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade connectivity and investment opportunities across Africa through enhanced port infrastructure and regional integration initiatives.
This was highlighted during the 7th Africa Ports Forum held in Accra from May 20 to 21, 2026, under the patronage of the Ministry of Transport. The high-level forum brought together stakeholders from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), port authorities, shipping companies, logistics firms, and investment agencies to deliberate on the future of Africa’s ports and trade corridors.
Representing the GFZA on a panel discussion themed “Port and Multimodal Corridors: Connecting Africa or Creating Gaps in Regional Integration?”, Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Finance and Administration, Musah Sibiri Hamidu, underscored the Authority’s pivotal role in linking Ghana to global value chains while promoting free trade across the continent.
According to Mr. Musah, the GFZA remains dedicated to the development of efficient ports and trade corridors aimed at reducing operational costs for Free Zones Enterprises (FZEs) and enhancing the competitiveness of businesses operating within the enclave.
He further stated that the Authority, in collaboration with its sister agencies, continues to support efforts to modernize port infrastructure and improve regional trade systems to attract more foreign direct investment into Ghana and the sub-region.
Touching on challenges confronting Africa’s free trade ambitions, Mr. Musah identified language barriers and the failure of some African countries to ratify the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement as key impediments to seamless regional integration. He stressed that the effective incorporation of the AfCFTA agreement into national laws by all member states would significantly strengthen intra-African trade and economic cooperation.
Mr. Musah also disclosed that Ghana’s Free Zones Scheme is transitioning into a Special Economic Zone framework, a move expected to increase investor confidence and create more opportunities for local and international businesses seeking to establish operations in Ghana.
Other institutions represented on the panel included the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the World Bank, and Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport Corridor.
The forum also served as a platform for networking and knowledge-sharing, with participants engaging in discussions on innovation in port management, infrastructure expansion, and sustainable trade practices across Africa.
Officials from the GFZA who attended the event included Director of Administration, Hanatu Abubakar, alongside officers from the Corporate Affairs, PR & Aftercare, and Marketing & Investment Promotion Departments.
