Ghana to Reposition Free Zones for Local Manufacturing

Ghana’s Trade Minister, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, announced plans to change the role of the country’s special economic zones. The goal is to make them hubs for agro-processing and light manufacturing. This move aims to expand local industrial production.

The Minister stated that the zones will shift from being export enclaves. Instead, they will become production centers that add value to goods made in Ghana. This decision is part of a larger plan to boost industrial activity. It also seeks to promote the processing of farm products within Ghana.

The Free Zones program started under the Free Zones Act of 1995. For nearly 30 years, it has focused on exports. The new policy direction will link the zones more closely with national goals to industrialize. This includes boosting local production and exporting fewer raw goods.

Planned policies will guide growth in key sectors. These include textiles, clothes, medicines, and car parts. Work on the textile and garment policy began in mid-2025. The medicine policy aims to lower Africa’s dependence on imported drugs. The car parts policy seeks to increase Ghana’s role in the global car industry, especially in electric vehicles.

Stakeholders met on January 23, 2026, to discuss a revised car policy. Discussions included industry players, regulators, and development partners. The Minister urged businesses to invest more in technology, skills, good management, and quality standards. She stressed that government efforts need strong private sector involvement to succeed.