About – Ghana Free Zones Authority

Ghana Free Zones Authority

Designed to promote processing and manufacturing of goods through the establishment of Export Processing Zones (EPZs).

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Ghana Free Zones Authority

Establishment

The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) was established on 31st August, 1995 by an Act of Parliament.

Establishment

The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) was established under the Free Zones Act 504 to drive economic growth by creating and regulating free zones in Ghana. Since the Programme took off in September 1996, it has positioned Ghana as a competitive hub for export-led industrialization.

Mission

To help transform Ghana into the Gateway to Africa by creating an attractive and conducive business environment through the provision of competitive Free Zone and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) incentives and operation of an efficient “one-stop-shop” for the promotion and enhancement of domestic and foreign investment.

Vision

To achieve more exports beyond the horizon (into Africa and the rest of the World)

Concept

The Ghana Free Zones Programme is built to power processing, manufacturing, and high-value services for export. Through Export Processing Zones (EPZs), operating as dedicated enclaves or single-factory enterprises the Programme creates an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. It also promotes commercial and service activities around Ghana’s seaports and airports, unlocking strategic trade advantages. Under the Programme, the entire country is open to investors producing primarily for export.
It is private-sector driven, with Government playing a focused role—facilitating, regulating, and monitoring Free Zone Enterprises and Developers. The Ghana Free Zones Programme is proof that partnership works—combining investor innovation with the technical expertise of a professional regulatory team. With strong local support, investor-friendly procedures, quality infrastructure, and attractive incentives, GFZA provides the platform businesses need to scale, compete, and succeed globally.

Objectives

The main objective of the Free Zones Programme is the promotion of economic development through the following means:

attraction of foreign direct investment
creation of employment opportunities
increase in foreign exchange earnings
provision of business opportunities for foreign and local investors to undertake joint-ventures
enhancement of technical and managerial skills/expertise of Ghanaians
transfer of technology and diversification of exports.

Board Functions

The Ghana Free Zones Authority has nine members who are appointed by the President in consultation with the Council of State. The Board is chaired by the Minister of Trade & Industry. The board’s main role is to facilitate, regulate and monitor activities in the free zones.

Functions of the Board

Grant licenses to applicants.
Assist applicants for licenses under Act 504 by providing services for obtaining other relevant licenses, permits and facilities.
Examine and recommend for approval proposals relating to the development and activities of the free zones.
Monitor the activities, performance and development of Free Zone Developers and Enterprises to ensure compliance with the Free Zone Act and any other laws relevant to free zone activities.
Register and keep records and data on the programmes of developers, operators and enterprises in free zones.
Perform such other functions as are incidental to the foregoing.

Tenure of Office

A member of the Board other than the Chairman shall hold office for a term of four years and is eligible for re-appointment.

Regional Presence

To enhance accessibility and investor support nationwide, the GFZA maintains three regional offices located in Tema, Takoradi, and Kumasi. Through this structure, the Authority delivers responsive regulation, strategic investment promotion, and effective operational oversight across Ghana.

Governance and Management

The GFZA is governed by a nine-member Board appointed by the President in consultation with the Council of State. The Board is chaired by the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry and provides strategic oversight and policy direction.

The day-to-day operations of the Authority are led by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), supported by two Deputy Chief Executive Officers: one responsible for Administration & Finance and the other for Operations.

The GFZA operates through thirteen (13) specialized departments to ensure efficiency and service excellence. These are:

Corporate Affairs, Public Relations & Aftercare
Marketing & Investment Promotion
Finance
Human Resource
Business Development & Research, AfCFTA & Strategic Projects, and Agribusiness
Compliance
Monitoring
Management Information Systems
Estate, Enclave & Zones
Procurement
Administration
Internal Audit

Services Provided

The GFZA delivers comprehensive support to both prospective investors and licensed Free Zone Enterprises. From initial inquiry to full operation and expansion, the GFZA provides dedicated handholding and aftercare services to ensure a seamless investment journey.

Our Core Services

Investment Advisory: Provision of detailed information on investment opportunities under the Free Zones Programme.
Licensing: Processing and issuance of licenses to approved Free Zone Enterprises.
Regulatory Facilitation: Assistance in securing required permits and approvals from relevant government agencies.
Infrastructure Support: Access to ready facilities, including serviced land and utilities within designated Export Processing Zones (EPZs).
Agreement Review: Examination and recommendation for approval of agreements and treaties relating to Free Zone development activities.
Immigration Support: Facilitation of work and residence permits for expatriate staff.
Investor Support Services: Provision of additional services tailored to meet specific investor needs.

Through these services, GFZA ensures a smooth, efficient, and investor-friendly business environment designed to support export-driven success.

Priority Sectors

The following priority sectors have been identified by the Authority based on Ghana’s comparative advantage. These sectors are however not exclusive. Investors can invest in any other sector of their choice.

Agro-food Processing
Floriculture
Information and Communication Technology [ICT]
Petrochemical
Textile/Apparel Manufacturing
Seafood Processing
Jewelry/Handicraft Production
Ceramic Tiles Manufacturing
Metal Fabrication
Pharmaceuticals
Ethnic Beauty Products
Light industry /assembling plant
Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO)

Why Invest In Ghana?

Ghana has the following unique advantages for free zone investments:

Stable Political Environment: A peaceful and stable democracy within the West African sub-region, underpinned by strong institutions and a commitment to good governance.
Skilled and Trainable Workforce: An abundant, adaptable, and easily trainable labour force to meet diverse industry needs.
Competitive Labour Costs: A competitive daily minimum wage structure that supports cost-effective operations.
Flexible Immigration Regime: No restrictions on the issuance of work and residence permits for Free Zone investors and their employees.
Preferential Global Market Access: Duty-free access for manufactured exports to major markets, including:
- The African market under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
- The United States under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)
- The United Kingdom under the UK-Ghana Economic Partnership Agreement (UK-EPA)
- The European Union under the EU-Ghana Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)
Strong Connectivity: Excellent sea and air links to Europe and the United States, facilitating efficient global trade.
Strategic Location: A central position within West Africa, providing access to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) market of over 250 million people.
Developed Infrastructure: Reliable internal road networks, electricity and water supply, telecommunications systems, and modern seaport and airport facilities.
Ready Industrial Space: Availability of factory buildings and serviced plots at the Tema Export Processing Zone.
Established Industrial Base: A diversified industrial landscape spanning heavy engineering, precision manufacturing, electronics, agro-processing, plastics, metal works, textiles, jewelry, and wood processing.
Robust Financial Sector: Access to a stock exchange and a wide range of banking and non-banking financial institutions.
Vibrant Private Sector: A dynamic business community open to partnerships with international investors.
Strong Public–Private Collaboration: A committed and forward-looking government working closely with the private sector.
Safe and Welcoming Environment: A high level of personal safety and a culture of genuine hospitality.