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 driving industrial growth and trade development in the country.

Speaking at the media launch in Accra, the Chief Executive Officer 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 stated.

Dr. Awusi outlined the Authority’s achievements 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 revealed.

On job creation, she emphasised that employment under the Free Zones programme has expanded from 3,483 direct jobs in 1997 to more than 40,000 today, with additional indirect jobs supported through local suppliers and service providers.

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

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

The Minister, who is also the Member of Parliament for Techiman North Constituency, further disclosed ongoing reforms to strengthen the country’s industrial zone framework.

“This is why my Ministry is championing the transition from Export Processing Zones (EPZs) to Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

It has become imperative to adopt a more modern, inclusive, and flexible model of industrial development,” she explained.

As part of the anniversary celebration, the GFZA has outlined a series of activities, including business fora, student seminars, an exhibition, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, as well as an awards and gala night.

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