Mr Michael Harry Ansah
Special Assistant to the CEO
Ghana Free Zones Authority
Ghana
W : www.gfza.gov.gh
Industry / Sector
Agriculture & Allied Services, Information and Communication Technology, Infrastructure
Personal Profile
I am currently a manager at Ghana Free Zones Authority and a Special Assistant to CEO
Company Profile
Profile
The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) is a government agency established by an Act of Parliament – the Free Zone Act, 1995 (Act 504) The Ghana Free Zones scheme was conceived as an integrated programme to promote the processing and manufacturing of goods through the establishment of Export Processing Zones (EPZs). The GFZA encourages the development of commercial and service activities at seaport and airport areas. The main aim is to open Ghana to potential investors who can utilise the free zones as focal points to produce goods and services for export.
The GFZA has therefore positioned itself to provide the needed infrastructure and efficient services for investors in the free zones.
The Free Zones programme operates two schemes i.e the export processing zones (EPZ) and the single factory enterprise schemes.
The Free Zone Act (Act 504) and its implementing regulations also provide relief from various bureaucratic restrictions and other statutory requirements such as expedited investment approval not exceeding 28 working days; unimpeded issuance of expatriate work and residence permits, generous tax incentives, accelerated on-site customs inspection and assurance of wage levels for employees that would not be below the recommended minimum wage prevailing in Ghana at any given time. Other workers’ rights and conditions of service have been aligned to the relevant ILO conventions, which have been ratified in the various Industrial Relations legislation of Ghana. The implementing regulations (LI 1618) of the Act also makes it possible for free zone developers and operators to lease land on long-term basis from the Free Zones Authority, or propose properties they already own for the creation, development and operation of free zones.
The Ghana Free Zones scheme is completely private sector driven. Government’s role is limited to facilitate, regulate and monitor activities of the zone operators or enterprises.