The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) has called on businesses and investors to place greater emphasis on data, research and innovation as key drivers of productivity, competitiveness and sustainable economic growth.
The call was made during the 5th Edition of the Canada Ghana Chamber of Commerce (CANCHAM) CEO’s Connect, held at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, where the GFZA participated in a high-level business discussion on the evolving investment and economic landscape.
Representing the Chief Executive Officer of the GFZA, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Finance and Administration, Mr. Hamidu Sibiri Musah, served as a panellist at the event, which brought together Chief Executive Officers, investors, business leaders, policymakers and other stakeholders.
The annual CEO’s Connect provides a platform for leading figures in the private and public sectors to exchange ideas, share experiences and explore opportunities for strategic partnerships, investment and sustainable business development.
Data crucial to business decisions
Speaking during the panel discussion, Mr. Musah stressed the importance of reliable data and continuous research in helping businesses make sound production and investment decisions.
He explained that businesses that effectively utilise data are better positioned to understand changing market trends, identify emerging opportunities, improve production processes and develop products that meet the needs of consumers.
According to him, research and innovation should therefore be treated as integral components of business strategy rather than activities undertaken only when challenges arise.
He noted that the ability of businesses to make evidence-based decisions would be critical to improving their competitiveness, particularly in an increasingly dynamic global business environment.
GFZA promotes investment opportunities
Mr. Musah also used the platform to highlight the incentives and opportunities available to businesses operating under Ghana’s Free Zones Programme, as well as the broader Special Economic Zones framework.
He said the framework provides opportunities for businesses seeking to establish export-oriented manufacturing and other commercial activities in Ghana while positioning the country as a competitive destination for investment.
The GFZA’s participation, he explained, formed part of the Authority’s ongoing efforts to deepen engagement with the private sector and the international business community.
Such engagements, he said, were important for creating stronger partnerships between government agencies, investors and businesses and for identifying practical ways of addressing challenges that affect investment and economic growth.
Strengthening private-sector partnerships
The 2026 edition of CEO’s Connect focused attention on the changing business environment and the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to unlock investment opportunities and promote sustainable economic development.
For the GFZA, the event provided an opportunity to engage directly with business leaders and investors while communicating the opportunities available under Ghana’s Free Zones and Special Economic Zones frameworks.
The Authority said it remained committed to promoting Ghana as an attractive destination for investment and export-oriented manufacturing.
It further emphasised that stronger collaboration with the private sector and international business community would help create an enabling environment for businesses to expand, increase exports, generate employment and contribute to national economic development.
The engagement also forms part of the GFZA’s broader stakeholder relations and investment promotion activities as the Authority continues to position Ghana’s free zones sector for increased participation in global trade and value chains.
GFZA delegation.
Other GFZA officials who attended the event included the Director of Corporate Affairs, PR & Aftercare, Dr. Patience Agbeleze Acorlor; Director of Marketing and Investment Promotion, Ms. Anita Quashie; Director of Administration, Hajia Hanatu Abubakar; and Senior Manager of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Bilal Muazu.
The GFZA’s participation underscores its continued commitment to engaging business leaders, investors and other stakeholders in promoting investment, exports, innovation and sustainable economic growth.
