Ghana’s free zone enterprises recorded approximately $2.34 billion in exports and $161 million in capital investment by the second quarter of 2026, according to the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Dr Mary Awusi.
The figures compare with $3.1 billion in exports and $279 million in capital investment recorded for the full year in 2025.
Dr Awusi announced the figures at the sod-cutting ceremony for the Afienya Industrial Park, where she highlighted the role of free zone enterprises in export growth, investment and job creation.
As of the second quarter of 2026, the scheme had licensed 334 enterprises, generating 78,155 direct jobs and more than 84,000 indirect jobs across manufacturing, agro-processing, services and other productive sectors.
The Authority is looking to expand this activity through the development of the 1,238-acre Afienya Industrial Park. Fourteen companies have already been allocated land at the site, which is expected to accommodate businesses in manufacturing, agro-processing, textiles and apparel, pharmaceuticals, logistics, technology and renewable energy.
Dr Awusi said the Tema Export Processing Zone, the Authority’s flagship facility, was fully occupied, underscoring the need for additional industrial space.
She also called for government and private-sector support to provide infrastructure for the Afienya project, saying the Authority’s internally generated funds would not be sufficient to meet all development needs.
