The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) has officially launched its 30th anniversary celebration.

The celebration held under the theme ‘Three Decades of Impact: Empowering Businesses, Transforming Trade in Ghana,’ seeks to highlight 30 years of championing industrial growth in the country.

Speaking at the media launch in Accra, Chief Executive of the GFZA, Dr. Mary Awusi, described the milestone as a moment of pride and reflection.

“Thirty years is indeed a remarkable milestone, and today we proudly reflect on a journey defined by resilience, adaptability, and progress,” she said.

Dr. Awusi highlighted the authority’s impact since its establishment in 1995, noting that licensed enterprises have grown to 339, with 306 currently active, contributing significantly to Ghana’s non-traditional exports.

“Together, these enterprises have increased receipts from $145.4 million in 1997 to $2.25 billion at the end of 2024. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, export value hit $1 billion,” she disclosed.

On job creation, she pointed out that employment within the Free Zones programme has expanded from 3,483 direct jobs in 1997 to over 40,000 currently, with additional indirect jobs supported through local suppliers and service providers.

On her part, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry and Board Chair of the authority, Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, commended the role of GFZA in Ghana’s industrialisation agenda.

“By providing incentives, facilitating investment and nurturing export-oriented enterprises, the GFZA has helped transform businesses into drivers of growth and resilience.”

The minister and Member of Parliament for Techiman North Constituency also hinted at reforms to improve the country’s industrial zone setup.

“This is why my Ministry is championing the transition from Export Processing Zones (EPZs) to Special Economic Zones (SEZs), which has become imperative to embrace a more modern, inclusive, and flexible model of industrial development”, she revealed.

As part of the anniversary celebration, the GFZA has outlined a series of activities, including business fora, student seminars, an exhibition, CSR projects, and an awards and gala night.

The celebrations will also feature health campaigns, community outreach, and thanksgiving services across the country.