The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) has called for stronger legislative and policy support to enhance the competitiveness of Ghana’s Free Zones Scheme and accelerate the country’s industrialisation agenda.
The call was made when the Parliamentary Select Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism paid a working visit to the Authority’s head office in Accra on Monday as part of its oversight responsibilities.
The delegation, led by the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Alexander Roosevelt Hottordze, Member of Parliament for Central Tongu, engaged the management of the Authority on its operations, achievements, opportunities and challenges.
Welcoming the delegation, the Chief Executive Officer of the GFZA, Dr. Mary Awusi, expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to supporting government efforts aimed at promoting export-led industrial growth and creating sustainable jobs for Ghanaians.
She noted that Parliament’s continued interest in the Free Zones Programme was a demonstration of its significance to national economic development.
A presentation delivered on behalf of the CEO by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Dr. Patience Agbleze Acorlor, highlighted the Authority’s mandate, achievements under the Free Zones Scheme, ongoing reforms and investment opportunities available to both local and foreign investors.
The presentation also outlined the Authority’s contribution to export growth, employment creation and the attraction of foreign direct investment into the country.
Members of the Committee engaged management in discussions on the Free Zones concept, licensing requirements, workforce development, industrial expansion opportunities and the development of industrial land banks across the country.
The discussions further touched on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), land acquisition challenges and issues of encroachment affecting some Free Zones areas.
Dr. Awusi underscored the need to review the Free Zones Act to align it with emerging global trade trends and Ghana’s evolving industrial and export ambitions.
According to her, addressing policy and operational bottlenecks would significantly improve the competitiveness of Free Zones enterprises and strengthen their contribution to national development.
Hon. Hottordze commended the management of the Authority for the comprehensive briefing and assured them of the Committee’s support in addressing challenges confronting the sector.
He pledged Parliament’s commitment to working closely with the Authority to strengthen the Free Zones Programme and maximise its impact on economic transformation.
The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of Parliament and the Ghana Free Zones Authority to promoting industrial growth, boosting exports and advancing sustainable economic development in the country.
