Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Dr. Mary Awusi
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Dr. Mary Awusi, has embarked on an aggressive campaign to attract foreign investors to support the Ghanaian government’s 24-hour economy strategy.
Speaking at the 3rd US-Ghana Business Expo Roundtable and B2B Matching event in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Dr. Awusi outlined the government’s plans to create an enabling environment for businesses to operate around the clock, driving productivity, competitiveness, and job creation.
Dr. Awusi explained that the government aims to achieve a 24-hour economy by modernizing and mechanizing the agricultural sector, providing incentives for the private sector, promoting agro-processing and manufacturing, and transforming Ghana into an import-substitution and export-led economy.
According to her, the strategy will be complemented by the Accelerated Export Development Programme (AEDP), which seeks to improve the business environment for exporters and enhance their competitiveness in the global market.
Dr. Awusi also highlighted Ghana’s strategic position as a gateway to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which offers access to a market of over 1.3 billion people with a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion.
She emphasized the importance of the National Export Development Strategy (NEDS), which aims to expand Ghana’s export base, diversify markets, and develop the non-traditional export (NTE) sector.
“The NEDS seeks to consolidate Ghana’s middle-income status, create formal and decent job opportunities, and ensure high standards of living for the people,” she said.
Dr. Awusi urged American investors to explore opportunities in key sectors such as healthcare, global business services, trade and investment, and agriculture.
She noted that Ghana’s healthcare industry, in particular, is ripe for investment, with growing demand for medical infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and telemedicine.
“Partnerships in this sector could significantly improve healthcare delivery and accessibility across the region,” she added.
On agriculture, Dr. Awusi described it as the backbone of Ghana’s economy, highlighting the country’s vast arable land and strong commitment to agro-processing.
“Ghana’s Free Zones and the National Export Development Strategy support investments that enhance value addition and export competitiveness, positioning Ghana as a major supplier of high-quality agricultural products,” she said.
Dr. Awusi however assured investors of the Ghana Free Zones Authority’s readiness to facilitate and support businesses looking to tap into opportunities within the Free Zones and beyond.
The US-Ghana Business Expo serves as a critical platform for strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties, with Ghana positioning itself as a hub for innovation, productivity, and economic transformation under its 24-hour economy strategy.
The event, organized by the US-Ghana Chamber of Commerce in Philadelphia in collaboration with the US Commercial Service, the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI), and Millersville University, Lancaster, brought together over 20 Ghanaian businesses and their US counterparts.
Key sectors of focus included agriculture, energy, healthcare, transportation, trade and investment, fintech, real estate, and technology.
ID/MA
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