Ghana’s Free Zones Scheme had generated 78,155 direct jobs and more than 84,000 indirect jobs as of the second quarter of 2026, according to the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Dr Mary Awusi.
The figures cover 334 licensed free zone enterprises operating across manufacturing, agro-processing, services and other productive sectors.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony for the Afienya Industrial Park, Dr Awusi said the scheme continued to support employment creation, export growth and investment in the Ghanaian economy.
The reported figures represent more than 162,000 direct and indirect jobs, highlighting the role of free zone businesses in employment across different sectors.
The Authority is seeking to expand that capacity through the development of the Afienya Industrial Park, a proposed 1,238-acre facility expected to accommodate companies in manufacturing, agro-processing, textiles and apparel, pharmaceuticals, logistics, technology and renewable energy.
Dr Awusi said 14 companies had already been allocated land at the park, even before development had commenced.
The project is expected to provide additional industrial space for local and international businesses, while supporting employment, skills development and technology transfer.
However, the Authority says the project will require substantial financial resources. Dr Awusi said its internally generated funds would not be sufficient to provide all the necessary infrastructure and appealed to government, development partners and private investors for support.
She also said the Tema Export Processing Zone, the Authority’s flagship facility, was fully occupied, pointing to the need for additional serviced industrial land to accommodate businesses seeking to establish or expand their operations.
Beyond employment, free zone enterprises generated $3.1 billion in exports in 2025, while approximately $2.34 billion was recorded by the second quarter of 2026, according to the CEO.
Capital investment in the scheme stood at approximately $279 million in 2025, with about $161 million recorded by the second quarter of 2026.
The Authority expects the Afienya Industrial Park to expand Ghana’s industrial capacity and strengthen its position in regional and international trade.
