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Ghana Free Zones Authority

Akwaaba, Let’s Achieve More Exports together.

Need help? Talk to GFZA

The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) was established on 31st August, 1995.

— Welcome to Ghana Free Zones Authority

Where we are driven by economic diplomacy, which is in tandem with the President's vision for Industrialization, Job Creation, and Economic Growth. Established by an Act of Parliament, The Free Zone Act, 1995 (Act 504), we are focused on establishing free zones in Ghana to promote economic development.

Additionally, our mandate is to regulate activities within free zones and for related purposes. The Ghana Free Zones Authority is governed by a nine-member Board chaired by the Minister of Trade and Industry.

AMB. MICHAEL A.N.N.Y. OQUAYE JNR.
CEO

Steps To Begin

You are invited to come to Ghana to utilize our effective & abundant labor force as a source of competitive advantage as you explore and develop larger markets for your goods and services.

Special
Economic Zones

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Application
Requirements

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Investor
Pack

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Application

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Special Economic Zones

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Application Requirements

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Investor Pack

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Start Application

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Priority Areas

Agro Processing

The agro-food processing sector also has vast opportunities for investors…

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Agro Processing

The agro-food processing sector also has vast opportunities for investors. Ghana has a wide range of agro products, most of which are exported in their raw state. Opportunities, therefore, exist in the agro-food processing sector for manufacturing industries to add value to local agricultural products, e.g., cocoa, cashew, tropical fruits, and vegetables.

Oil & Gas

The sector has many opportunities for companies in the oil and gas space…

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Oil & Gas

The sector has many opportunities for companies in the oil and gas space. The Free Zones Authority has two enclaves dedicated to the oil and gas sector. There are opportunities for investors interested in enclave development and downstream processing facilities such as chemical producers, plastics, and other petroleum products.

Floriculture

Opportunities exist for the exportation of cut tropical flowers for export…

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Floriculture

Opportunities exist for the exportation of cut tropical flowers for export. Investors interested in this sector can take advantage of the good climatic conditions in Ghana and the availability of land for the cultivation of a wide variety of flowers for the export market.

Textile/Apparel
Manufacturing

Ghana has benefited from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) initiative…

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Textile/Apparel Manufacturing

Ghana has benefited from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) initiative and will continue to enjoy this initiative as long as Ghana remains a member of AGOA. This means that the USA market can be accessed easily on a quota/duty-free status. The potential for the textile/ garment sector is enormous. To enable investors to set up easily, a Textile and Garment village has been created within the Tema Export Processing Zone (Multipurpose Industrial Park), where there is a dedicated supply of utilities.

Information and Communication Technology

The focus of this sector is in Business Process Outsourcing, where back-office…

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Information and Communication Technology

The focus of the GFZA for this sector is in Business Process Outsourcing, where back-office jobs can be processed in Ghana for foreign companies. ICT enabling infrastructure is being developed, which will lead to the creation of more Information Technology Enabling Services (ITES) in the country. The GFZA is taking advantage of Ghana’s status as an English-speaking country to attract business processing orders and outsourcing/back-office jobs from the USA and Europe.

Metal
Fabrication

The metal fabrication sub-sector is one of the sectors with significant growth potentials…

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Metal Fabrication

The metal fabrication sub-sector is one of the sectors with significant growth potentials, especially regarding exports to the West African sub-region. A variety of products are manufactured within this sector, including aluminum and enamel cookware, machine parts, and food cans.

Pharmaceuticals

The current trend for low-cost and effective drugs creates an excellent opportunity…

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Pharmaceuticals

Ghana has benefited from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) initiative and will continue to enjoy this initiative as long as Ghana remains a member of AGOA. This means that the USA market can be accessed easily on a quota/duty-free status. The potential for the textile/ garment sector is enormous. To enable investors to set up easily, a Textile and Garment village has been created within the Tema Export Processing Zone (Multipurpose Industrial Park), where there is a dedicated supply of utilities.

Jewelry Production

The jewelry sector is one of the potential areas for investment. Ghana’s position…

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Jewelry Production

The jewelry sector is one of the potential areas for investment. Ghana’s position as a major exporter of gold allows investors to refine the gold and produce jewelry for export.

Ethnic Beauty Products

The ethnic beauty products industry is moving into the phase of a viable exporter…

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Ethnic Beauty Products

The ethnic beauty products industry is moving into the phase of a viable exporter to the regional market. This sector, with immense growth potential, therefore presents investment opportunities.

Light Industry &
Assembling Plant

The economy of Ghana is developing, and the emphasis on small-scale agriculture is shifting…

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Light Industry & Assembling Plant

The economy of Ghana is developing, and the emphasis on small-scale agriculture is shifting to large-scale farming and manufacturing. Therefore, there is an opportunity for investment in assembling plants and the light industry to assemble semi-finished imported goods for the sub-regional market.

Seafood
Processing

The seafood processing sub-sector is emerging as one of the attractive sectors for investment…

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Seafood Processing

The seafood processing sub-sector is emerging as one of the attractive sectors for investment. The processing of tuna and many other marine species presents a great opportunity to any investor interested in seafood processing.

Partner Agencies & Stakeholders

As a government agency, we work with all government agencies in Ghana. Below are some of the agencies we work with the most.

Performance In-Focus

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Featured Enterprises

The Ghana Free Zone Advatage

The unique advantage Ghana possesses coupled with the generous incentives and the efficient services provided by the GFZA makes the business environment more than ready to provide maximum returns on investment.

Stable Democratic Climate ✔
Ease of Doing Business ✔
Accessibility ✔
Competitive & Educated Work Force ✔
Strong Resource Pool ✔
World Ranking ✔
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Incentives

To attract investors into the Free Zones Scheme and to create a viable and sustainable business environment, the GFZA offers extensive and generous incentives to potential investors interested in developing and operating free zone enclaves and single-factory free zones in Ghana.

Incentives

Monetary Incentives

The monetary incentives offered include;

100% exemption from payment of direct and indirect duties and levies on all imports for production and exports from free zones.

100% exemption from payment of income tax on profits for 10 years which will not exceed 15 per cent thereafter.

Total exemption from payment of withholding taxes from dividends arising out of Free Zones investments.

Relief from double taxation for foreign investors and employees where Ghana has a double taxation agreement with the country of the investors or employees.

Incentives

Non-Monetary Incentives

The non-monetary incentives offered include;

No import licensing requirements and minimal customs formalities. Also, Free Zones investments are also guaranteed against nationalization and expropriation.

100% ownership of shares by any investor – foreign or national – in a Free Zones Enterprise is allowed. Also, Free Zones Investors are permitted to operate foreign currency accounts with banks in Ghana.

There are no conditions or restrictions on repatriation of dividends or net profit; payments for foreign loan servicing; payments of fees and charges for technology transfer agreements and remittance of proceeds from sale of any interest in a Free Zones investment.

At least 70% of annual production of goods and services of Free Zones Enterprises must be exported; consequently up to 30% of annual production of goods and services of a free zone enterprise are authorized for sale in the local market.

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Testimonials

Our Ghanaian operation was the first of our network of production sites and remains the biggest. We have over 3,500 people in Ghana making us one of the biggest private sector employers in the country. Working with Ghana Free Zones gave us the necessary push and incentives we needed to get where we are in Ghana.

BlueSkies

Working with GFZA has really relieved some of the pressure we would normally feel. Their monetary and non-monetary incentives are really impressive and seductive. We're really amazed at how smooth the entire process was. Thank you.

OLAM Manufacturing Ltd

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Export Processing Zones

Tema Export Processing Zones

The Tema Export Processing Zones is located in Tema, Ghana’s major residential and industrial city. Tema has the largest seaport in Ghana and is located about 24 kilometres from the international airport in Accra. Tema is also one of Ghana’s fastest growing cities with well-developed infrastructure. There are many industries located in the Tema industrial area where there is also a concentration of skilled labour. Well planned and managed residential communities compliment Tema’s industrial complex.

The Tema EPZ, with a total area of 1,200 acres (480 hectares), offers investors a favourable and conducive environment for manufacturing, service and commercial export activities. Business Processing is facilitated by the deliberate convergence of all front line export/investment promotion institutions such as Customs Excise and Preventive Service, Police, Immigration,Environmental Protection Agency, Internal Revenue Service and so forth into a one-stop-shop. A range of property options including factory shells, office space and land parcels serviced with good quality roads,drains, water and electricity connections and dependable sewerage system are readily available for use by prospective investors and new business start-ups.

The Tema EPZ is well serviced with the following off site facilities:

- A dedicated electrical power grid.
- Large water reservoir constructed to ensure the constant supply of water.
- Central Sewerage System.
- Telecommunication Services.
- Security enclosures.

Tema’s Free Zone enclave is also linked to the airport and seaport by a first class road network. It is largely developed into a multipurpose industrial park to enable non-free zone investors to have access to the industrial site and superior services so as to boost their productive capacities.

Ashanti Technology Park

The Ashanti Technology Park (ATP) located at Boankra in the Ashanti Region. It is adjacent to the Ghana proposed inland Port. It occupies a total of area of 1099 acres/444.75 hectares. The proposed railway line from Accra to Kumasi traverses the Ashanti technology park. The industrial sectors specially earmarked for this up-coming zone includes:

- ICT Cyber village
- Cocoa Processing
- Light Industrial manufacturing
- Heavy Industrial manufacturing
- Warehousing and Logistics Services
- Social Services Centre
- Bio-Technology Development

The Ashanti Technology Park is 20.7km (13miles) to Kumasi, the capital of Ashanti Region. Kumasi has an airport. Flight time between Kumasi and Accra is thirty (30) minutes and the distance by road to Kumasi is 252.5km.

Sekondi Export Processing Zones

The Sekondi industrial park is located at Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana’s second port city.

The industrial park covers a total area of 2200acres (890.30 hectares). It is earmarked for heavy and light industries as well as warehousing.

The western railway line to the Takoradi port runs through the Sekondi industrial park. The Sekondi industrial park also boasts of the supply of natural gas terminal from the Ghana gas factory at Atuabo for use by prospective investors. Sekondi Takoradi has an airport with regular flights from Accra. Flights time between Sekondi Takoradi and Accra is thirty (30) minutes. Distance by road is 228.2km.

Shama Export Processing Zones

The Yabiw/Shama Industrial Park is located at the Shama district in the Western Region. The total land size of the Industrial Park is 2800acres (1133.12 hectares).

It is earmarked for downstream Oil & Gas activities. A portion of the Yabiw/Shama Industrial Park borders the sea making it ideal for development of a jetty or mini port to link the main Takoradi port which is about 2.1km away.

GFZA Licensing & Registration

For investments to be eligible under the Free Zones Scheme, the investment should satisfy the following conditions:

  • Should be a limited liability company registered with the Registrar Generals’ Department.
  • Should be export-oriented.
  • Should add some value to products/services to be exported.
  • Should be environmentally friendly.


Requirements

Free zone investors do not require any minimum capital investment. However, investors must indicate their ability to fulfill the minimum 70% export requirement. New investors are required to go through the following steps to obtain a free zone license: Incorporate a company in Ghana with the Registrar General’s Department and obtain Certificates of Incorporation and company’s constitution and these must be submitted together with the following documents;

  • Duly completed GFZA Application Form Purchased at ($200).
  • Business Plan/Feasibility Study.
  • Evidence of lease or Rental of Land / Factory Premises.
  • Evidence of Export (Memorandum of Understanding/ Letter of Intent with prospective clients).
  • Environmental Protection Agency Permit (where applicable).
  • Evidence of Funding/Capital Transfer.
  • Any other document/ Information the Authority may require.
If you are an existing business, you would need the following documents;
  • 3 Year Audit Report.
  • SSNIT Clearance Certificate.
  • GRA Clearance Certificate.

The GFZA shall notify the applicant of the status of his/her application for License within 28 working days of receipt of a complete application. A license specifying Authorized activity to be undertaken (i.e. Developer, Manufacturer, Commercial or Service Industry) by the applicant shall be issued to the successful applicant. The investor is required to start operations within 6 months of receiving approval to operate as a Free Zone Enterprise/Developer.

An initial/renewal license fee shall be paid as follows:

Activity Initial Fees Annual Renewal Fee
Developer US $5,000 US $4,000
Manufacturing US $3,000 US $2,500
Service US $4,000 US $3,000
Commercial US $10,000 US $5,000

Investor Pack

For investments to be eligible under the Free Zones Scheme, the investment should satisfy the following conditions:

- Should be a limited liability company registered with the Registrar Generals’ Department.
- Should be export-oriented.
- Should add some value to products/services to be exported.
- Should be environmentally friendly.

Brochure

GFZA Brochure

Discover elegant details about the GZFA and everything it entails.

Priority

Licensing & Registration

Find out about the requirements to register for a Free Zones License.

Guideline

Cost Of Doing Business

Find out the cost of doing business in Ghana. (March 2021 Update)

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Got A Question?

The Ghana Free Zones Authority promotes investment through the provision of a conducive business environment and attractive incentives.

The GFZA Head Office is located at 5th Link Road East Cantonment, close to NAFTI Hostel, near American Embassy in Accra. Other Free Zone enclaves are located in Tema, Kumasi, and Takoradi.

Yes.  A free zones company in Ghana can be 100% foreign owned, 100% Ghanaian owned or investors from different countries coming together to form a company or a joint venture between a Ghanaian and a foreigner.

Yes.  Ghanaians qualify to be in the free zones only if they can export at least 70% of their products.

Free Zone investors do not require any minimum capital investment. However,  an investor should be able to show evidence of funding and investors must indicate their ability to fulfill the minimum 70% export requirement.

Investors are required to go through the following application procedure to obtain a Free Zone license:

a. Incorporate a company in Ghana with the Registrar General’s Department

b. Obtain and complete the GFZA Application Form (US$200) and submit with the following;

i. Business Plan

ii. Copy of Certificate of Incorporation

iii. Copy of Certificate to Commence Business

iv. Copy of Company’s code

v. Evidence of possession/lease of real property or intent to acquire such property

vi. MOU with potential clients

vii. Environmental Protection Agency Permit

viii. Evidence of Funding/Capital Transfer

ix. Any other relevant document

c.   After completing the application and submitting it with all the necessary and required documents, and upon receipt, GFZA will notify the prospective investor of the status of his/her application for license within 28 working days.

No, Free Zones companies are subject to the same labor laws as any other company in Ghana. They enjoy the same rights and privileges as non-free zone companies.

Ghana Free Zones Authority is a public agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

After completing the application and submitting it with all the necessary and required documents, and upon receipt, GFZA will notify the prospective investor of the status of his/her application for a license within 28 working days.

There are monetary and non-monetary incentives. The monetary incentives offered include:

a. 100% exemption from payment of direct and indirect duties and levies on all imports for production and exports from free zones.

b. 100% exemption from payment of income tax on profits for 10 years which will not exceed 8% thereafter.

c. Total exemption from payment of withholding taxes from dividends arising out of free zone investment.

d. Relief from double taxation for foreign investors and employees where Ghana has a double taxation agreement with the country of the investors or employees.

Non-monetary incentives include:

a.  No import licensing requirements.

b. Minimal customs formalities.

c. 100% ownership of shares by any investor – foreign or national in a free zone enterprise is allowed

d. There are no conditions or restrictions on repatriation of dividends or net profit, payments for foreign loan servicing, payments of fees and charges for technology transfer agreements and remittance of proceeds from sale of any interest in a free zone investment.

e. Free Zone investors are permitted to operate foreign currency accounts with banks in Ghana.

f. At least 70% of annual production of goods and services of Free Zone Enterprises must be exported, consequently up to 30% of annual production of goods and services of a free zone enterprise are authorized for sale in the local market.

g. Free Zone investments are also guaranteed against nationalization and expropriation.

The following priority sectors have been identified by the Board based on the comparative advantages of the country. These sectors are however not exclusive. Investors can invest in any other sector of their choice with exception of plastic manufacturing, Timber related activities and enterprises engaged in the exploration of extraction of precious metals, gas and crude oil.

a. Agro Food Processing (Fruits, vegetables and coca)

b. Information & Communication Technology (Data processing and transcription, call centers, software development and computer assembling)

c. Textile/Apparel manufacturing (including accessories for garment industry and footwear)

d. Sea Food Processing

e. Jewelry/Handicraft Production

f. Light Industry/Assembling Plant

g. Metal Fabrication

h. Floriculture

Developer License

a. A Developer’s license fee of US$5,000.00 or its equivalent in Ghana Cedis is charged by the GFZA in the first instance and a renewal fee of US$4,000.00 or its equivalent in Ghana Cedis is paid annually by the Developer.

Enterprise License

b. Investors wishing to set up enterprises (for Manufacturing , Commercial or Services activities) will need to obtain the relevant Enterprise License:

c. An Enterprise fee of :

i. US$3,000.00 for Manufacturing

ii. US$4,000.00 for Service

iii. US$10,000.00 for Commercial

or its equivalent in Ghana Cedi is charged by the GFZA in the first instance and a renewal fee of:

i. US$2,500.00 for Manufacturing

ii. US$3,000.00 for Service

iii. US$5,000.00 for Commercial

or its equivalent in Ghana Cedi is paid annually by the Enterprise Operator.

This is allowed only if the said skill that is being brought to Ghana is proven not to be available in Ghana.

Yes, Free Zones companies pay property tax.

The Ghana Frees Zones Authority has been in existence since  1995 by an Act of Parliament, Act  504 LI 1618. The Act was passed in September 1995 and the Secretariat commenced operation in August 1996.

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