The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) says companies seeking to establish operations under its investment regime can obtain licenses within 28 days, as officials outlined measures aimed at improving the country’s business entry process and investor experience.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Finance and Administration Hamidu Sibiri Musah made the remarks during 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, held at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel, brought together regulators and private sector representatives to discuss reforms aimed at simplifying market entry and improving access to Ghana’s investment ecosystem.
Musah said the Free Zones Authority works closely with other government institutions to guide investors through regulatory requirements, providing what he described as a “handholding” approach to ensure documentation across agencies is coordinated and processed without duplication or delays. Under the Ghana Free Zones Act, 1995 (Act 504), companies that meet all regulatory obligations and submit the required documentation can secure a Free Zones license within 28 days, he said.
The panel also included representatives from the Office of the Registrar of Companies, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre and the Lands Commission, who discussed challenges around company registration, land access and regulatory coordination.
The keynote address was delivered by Samina Bhatia of the British High Commission Accra, who cited international perspectives on strengthening investor confidence and competitiveness.
Other frontline agencies interacting with investors, including the Ghana Revenue Authority’s Customs Division, the Ghana Shippers Authority and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, also participated in discussions covering port management, regulatory predictability and transparency in trade facilitation.
