Accra, March 2026
On 10th March 2026, the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) participated in a Public, Private Dialogue on the Business Environment organized by the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry under the Business Regulatory Reforms Programme, in collaboration with the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce.
The forum was held at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel, bringing together key public and private sector stakeholders to discuss practical reforms aimed at improving Ghana’s business environment, particularly in easing business entry and facilitating market access.
The keynote address was delivered by Samina Bhatia, Deputy Development Director of the British High Commission in Accra. She highlighted international perspectives on enhancing business competitiveness and strengthening investor confidence in Ghana.
Representing GFZA, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Finance & Administration), Hamidu Sibiri Musah, served as a panellist on Business Entry and Market Access. He shared the stage with representatives from the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC), Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), and the Lands Commission. During the discussion, he highlighted the role of the Free Zones Scheme in facilitating a seamless market entry process for businesses seeking to establish operations in Ghana.
Mr. Musah explained that GFZA works closely with relevant institutions to support investors through a “handholding” service, guiding businesses through all regulatory requirements and ensuring that documentation processes with other regulatory bodies do not overlap or cause delays.
He further stated that under the provisions of the Ghana Free Zones Act, 1995 (Act 504), applicant enterprises can obtain their Free Zones license within 28 days, provided that all required supporting documentation and regulatory obligations are met.
Other frontline agencies that interface directly with investors also participated in the panel discussions. These included the Ghana Revenue Authority (Customs Division), Ghana Shippers Authority, and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority. Discussions covered topics such as Ports Management, Regulatory Predictability and Transparency, among other issues affecting investor operations.
Mr. Musah Hamidu Sibiri was accompanied by Anita Quashie, Director of Marketing and Investment Promotion, along with officers from the department.