Accra, June 2026
A delegation of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism, on Monday, 8th June 2026, paid a working visit to the Head Office of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) as part of efforts to deepen its understanding of the operations, achievements, opportunities, and challenges of Ghana’s Free Zones Scheme.
The delegation was led by the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Alexander Roosevelt Hottordze, Member of Parliament for the Central Tongu Constituency, and assisted by the Ranking Member, Hon. Michael Okyere Baafi, Member of Parliament for New Juaben South and former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority.
The visit formed part of the Committee’s oversight responsibilities and provided an important platform for engagement on matters relating to industrialisation, export development, investment promotion, and economic transformation.
Welcoming the delegation, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Dr. Mary Awusi, expressed appreciation to the Committee for the visit and reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to supporting the Government’s industrialisation agenda through the facilitation of export-oriented investments and the creation of sustainable employment opportunities for Ghanaians. She noted that the visit reflected Parliament’s continued interest in strengthening institutions that contribute significantly to national economic growth.
A comprehensive presentation on the operations and strategic direction of the Authority was delivered on behalf of the CEO by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Dr. Patience Agbleze Acorlor. The presentation highlighted the mandate of the GFZA, achievements under the Free Zones Scheme, ongoing reforms, investment opportunities, and the Authority’s contribution to exports, employment generation, and foreign direct investment attraction.
Members of the Committee engaged extensively with Management of the Authority to gain a deeper understanding of the Free Zones concept, operational structures, and the major challenges confronting the sector. Discussions also covered the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), licensing procedures and requirements, workforce capacity, expansion opportunities, the development of industrial land banks in other parts of the country, as well as issues relating to land sales and encroachment.
The Chief Executive Officer further highlighted critical policy and operational challenges affecting the competitiveness of Free Zones enterprises. She stressed the need for a review of the Free Zones Act to align it with current global trade dynamics and Ghana’s evolving industrial and export aspirations.
The Chairman of the Committee commended the Management of the Authority for their dedication and the detailed engagement with the Committee. He assured the Authority of the Committee’s support in addressing the challenges confronting the sector and pledged Parliament’s commitment to working collaboratively with the Authority to strengthen the Free Zones Scheme for national development.
The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of Parliament and the Ghana Free Zones Authority to promoting industrial growth, export competitiveness, and sustainable economic development through a strengthened and more responsive Free Zones Programme.
Also present at the meeting were the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Operations), Mr. Lateef Apau Wiredu; Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Finance and Administration), Mr. Hamidu Sibiri Musah; as well as Directors and Senior Managers of the Authority.