Afienya, October 2026
President John Dramani Mahama cut the sod for the development of the Afienya Industrial Park in the Greater Accra Region, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s drive to expand industrial capacity, attract investment and create sustainable jobs.
In her welcome address, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), Dr. Mary Awusi, highlighted the significance of the project in advancing the expansion of Ghana’s Free Zones Scheme. She disclosed that, as of the second quarter of 2026, the Authority had licensed 334 enterprises, generating 78,155 direct jobs and over 84,000 indirect jobs while exports from the free zones was approximately US$3.1 billion in 2025, and approximately US$1.4 billion was recorded by the 2nd quarter of 2026.
She also called for a review of provisions in the VAT and Customs Acts that have eroded incentives available to Free Zones enterprises and could undermine investor confidence.
The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry and Board Chairperson of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, noted that the development of the Afienya Industrial Park comes at a critical time in Ghana’s industrial transformation. She reaffirmed her Ministry’s commitment to promoting the Park internationally to attract investment and strengthen Ghana’s position as a competitive industrial hub.
In his address, President Mahama announced that funding would be allocated under the New Economy Programme to support the development of the Afienya Industrial Park. He emphasised that expanding industrial infrastructure would help translate investor interest into productive enterprises, increased exports and employment opportunities. He further assured existing Free Zones enterprises and prospective investors of the Government’s commitment to reviewing the Customs and VAT Acts to safeguard investments and preserve the competitiveness of Ghana’s Free Zones Scheme.
Spanning approximately 1,238 acres (501 hectares), the Afienya Industrial Park is strategically located about 20 kilometres from Tema Harbour and 35 kilometres from Kotoka International Airport, with access to the Tema–Mpakadan railway line. The Park is expected to accommodate businesses in manufacturing, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, logistics, technology and renewable energy.
The development of the Afienya Industrial Park is expected to strengthen the GFZA’s capacity to attract export-oriented enterprises, expand Ghana’s productive base, create sustainable employment opportunities and position the country as a competitive destination for industrial investment.