Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has inaugurated a new board of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA).

The Minister, who chairs the Board in accordance with the Free Zone Act, 1995 (Act 504), administered the oath of office and secrecy during a swearing-in ceremony held on Wednesday.

Speaking at the event, Madam Ofosu-Adjare noted that the Free Zones Authority Act clearly stipulates the Minister must chair the Board, stating, “in this case, myself.”

She highlighted the strategic role of the Board in advancing the Free Zones’ development and supporting the Authority’s core objective of attracting investment and stimulating national growth.

“We have pledged to make Free Zones stronger and even greater. At the end of the day, we want to have a specialised economic zone in Ghana as part of our mandate,” she said.

The Minister further emphasised the Board’s commitment to securing litigation-free land banks and fostering a business-friendly environment.

“We’ll try and get a lot of investment. We’ll try and get land banks that are litigation-free, so that our investors can invest in comfort. We’ll continue to create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in Ghana,” she said.

Alongside the Minister, board members include Mr Albert Tetteh Nyakotey, Mr Kongwura Adamu Seidu Jinkurige, Mr Andani Dasana Yakubu, and Mr Takalikpe Wura Alhaji Adams Mahama. Other members are Dr Stella N.A. Dartey, Madam Bawa Mavis Meliga, Mr Abu Juan Jagiara, and Mr Franklin Adu Tutu Sarfo.

Established on 31 August 1995 under the Free Zone Act, 1995 (Act 504), the Ghana Free Zones Authority was created to promote economic development through the establishment of free zones.

The Ghana Free Zones Programme aims to encourage the processing and manufacturing of goods within Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and support commercial and service activities at seaports and airports.