In a strategic push to deepen foreign direct investment and attract industrial giants, the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) has made a compelling case to over 50 Turkish companies to become the first Turkish investors to operate within Ghana’s Free Zones.
This bold invitation came during a high-level Ghana–Türkiye Investment Forum held in Accra, hosted by the Office of the Commercial Counsellor of the Turkish Embassy. The event drew a wide array of stakeholders, including Ghanaian government officials, private sector leaders, and Turkish trade and industry representatives.
Speaking on behalf of GFZA Chief Executive Officer, the Deputy CEO in charge of Operations, Mr. Lateef Apau Wiredu, delivered a strong pitch to the Turkish delegation.
“There are currently no Turkish enterprises in Ghana’s Free Zones enclave—and that is not a gap, but an opportunity,” he told participants. “We believe Turkish investors are well positioned to fill this space and take advantage of Ghana’s strategic entry point into the African market.”
Mr. Wiredu emphasized that Ghana’s Free Zones regime offers a uniquely attractive package—including 10-year corporate tax holidays, duty exemptions, full repatriation of profits, and a robust legal framework designed to support export-led businesses.
He also urged investors to leverage Ghana’s geopolitical advantage—a stable democracy situated at the heart of West Africa, and a signatory to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), offering access to a market of over 1.4 billion people.
The event also featured key figures from both countries, including the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Bernard Ahiafor; WCI President Mr. Utku Bengisu; and top officials from the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), and the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI).
Mr. Bengisu, who leads the World Cooperation Industries Forum, reiterated Türkiye’s keen interest in deepening its economic footprint in Ghana, with particular focus on construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and digital technology.
Beyond speeches, the forum provided a hands-on platform for engagement, with the GFZA organizing targeted B2B matchmaking sessions between Turkish investors and Ghanaian stakeholders. The sessions allowed for direct discussions on specific investment areas, regulatory pathways, and the practical benefits of setting up shop within the Free Zones.
The broader message was clear: Ghana is open for business, and it wants Türkiye at the forefront of its next industrial leap. If the forum’s momentum translates into commitments, Turkish companies may soon find themselves pioneering a new chapter in Ghana’s export-driven economy.
