The Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), Dr. Mary Awusi, has completed her maiden official visit to the Ashanti Region, aimed at strengthening partnerships with Free Zone Enterprises (FZEs), assessing operations on the ground, and inspecting the proposed site for the Ashanti Technological Park.

Accompanied by Deputy CEO Mr. Apau Wiredu Lateef and a team of senior officials, the two-day working tour reaffirmed GFZA’s commitment to deepening engagement with businesses operating under the Free Zones programme.

The visit began with a tour of the proposed Tech Park site at Boankra, envisioned as a key component of Ghana’s Special Economic Zones strategy to drive industrialization in the middle belt of the country.

The delegation then visited Premium Foods Ghana Ltd., a licensed FZE known for exporting cereals and supplying major international partners such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and USAID.

Dr. Awusi praised the company’s achievements and encouraged its management to engage with GFZA’s Aftercare Desk for prompt resolution of concerns.

She also highlighted plans for upcoming business expos to boost visibility and networking for FZEs.

The tour continued at MIRO Forestry and Timber Products in Drobonso, where the CEO lauded the company’s outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, including the construction of school infrastructure and the provision of clean water through boreholes.

Dr. Awusi used the opportunity to remind all Free Zone Enterprises to comply with branding requirements, including the display of GFZA billboards at operational sites.

On the second day, the team visited Logs and Lumber Ltd., where discussions focused on the challenges surrounding import duties and the transition to the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) framework. Management acknowledged the positive impact of the FZE scheme on the company’s growth and international competitiveness.

The final stop was at OLAM Ghana, where conversations centered on enhancing cocoa processing capacity and expanding job opportunities.

Dr. Awusi assured the management of GFZA’s continued support and emphasized her administration’s open-door policy for all stakeholders.