Earlier this week, AmCham Ghana hosted the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) for a strategic discussion on export-driven incentives and business opportunities.

The session, led by CEO Doris Afanyedey and Director of Business Development & Research Mr. Edward Adu-Ntiamoah, highlighted key benefits under the Free Zones Programme, including up to 10 years of corporate tax exemption for companies exporting at least 70% of their production, with no requirement to operate within a free zone enclave.

Ms. Afanyedey noted that some long-standing AmCham members, despite significant investments in local infrastructure, could benefit from improved aftercare support similar to what is available to companies located in the Free Zones, if they were to operate within that enclave.

Key challenges highlighted include persistent delays in the clearance of equipment at the ports, resulting in high demurrage costs, with such delays risking erosion of investor confidence.

She called for structured engagement between AmCham members and the GFZA, particularly for companies in the export space, to ensure they fully utilize available offerings. Key areas of focus should include customs clearance facilitation, timely delivery of fiscal incentives, and structured expansion support, all aimed at protecting existing investments and strengthening the operating environment.

The engagement reinforced the need for stronger alignment between incentives and operational efficiency to drive investment and competitiveness.