Lateef Apau Wiredu

Deputy CEO for Ghana Freezones Authority (GFZA)

[Lateef Apau Wiredu @LateefApau]

I represented the Ghana Free Zones Authority at the Ghana-China Business Summit, under the theme, ‘Synergising Opportunities:Strengthening the Ghana-China Business Relationship and Fostering a 24-Hour Economy’.

[Ghana Free Zones Authority @GHANAFREEZONES1]

GFZA CEO Visits Melcom Warehouse Following Fire Incident

Tema Export Processing Zone, July 2026

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), Dr. Mary Awusi, on 5th July 2026, led a management team to visit the Melcom warehouse located within the Tema Export Processing Zone (EPZ) following the recent fire outbreak at the facility.
The visit was aimed at assessing the extent of the damage, expressing the Authority's support to the affected company, and engaging key stakeholders on measures to strengthen fire safety within the enclave.

During the visit, Dr. Awusi interacted with a representative of Melcom, Mr. Govind, and the Tema Regional Fire Officer, who provided updates on the incident and the emergency response efforts.
Reaffirming the Authority's commitment to the safety and resilience of businesses operating within the Free Zones enclave, Dr. Awusi pledged to collaborate closely with the Ghana National Fire Service to strengthen emergency preparedness and reduce response time to fire incidents within the Tema EPZ. She emphasized that improving fire response capabilities is essential to protecting investments, safeguarding lives and property and ensuring business continuity within the Zone.

The Ghana Free Zones Authority remains committed to working with all stakeholders to strengthen safety standards and maintain a secure environment for investors and businesses operating within the Free Zones enclaves. In this regard, the Authority, in collaboration with the Ghana National Fire Service, has launched investigations into the cause of the fire outbreak to establish its origin and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Dr. Awusi was accompanied by the Director of Corporate Affairs, PR & Aftercare, Dr. Patience Agbleze Acorlor; Director of the Tema Office, Mr. Edward Adu-Ntiamoah; Head of Estate and Zones, Mr. Benjamin Obeng; and other officers of the Authority.

Issued by Corporate Affairs, PR & Aftercare Department. #gfza
#trade
#exports #investments #GfzaAt30

[Lateef Apau Wiredu @LateefApau]

A delegation from Riphah International University, Pakistan, paid a working visit to the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) on 18th June 2026, to gain a deeper understanding of Ghana’s Free Zones Scheme and explore opportunities for investment and partnership under the programme.

[Ghana Free Zones Authority @GHANAFREEZONES1]

GFZA ENGAGES RIPHAH INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY - PAKISTAN

Accra, June 2026

A delegation from Riphah International University, Pakistan, paid a working visit to the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) on Thursday, 18th June 2026, to gain a deeper understanding of Ghana’s Free Zones Scheme and explore opportunities for investment and partnership under the programme.

The visit formed part of the University's efforts to identify strategic avenues for expansion and assess how it could best leverage the incentives and benefits available under the Free Zones Scheme.

The Director of Agribusiness, Dr. Abdul-Wahab Alhassan, welcomed the delegation on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mary Awusi.
Discussions during the meeting focused on the University's interest in agro-food processing and potential land acquisition opportunities to support its proposed investment initiatives in Ghana.

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Operations, Mr. Lateef Apau Wiredu, assured the delegation of the Authority’s commitment to supporting genuine investors and facilitating their investment journey under the Scheme. He emphasized GFZA’s readiness to provide the necessary guidance, technical support, and assistance required to help prospective investors successfully establish and expand their operations in Ghana.

The Director of Corporate Affairs, Public Relations and Aftercare, Dr. Patience Agbleze Acorlor, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the Free Zones Scheme, highlighting the various incentives available to investors, the different categories of Free Zones licences, and opportunities within the Authority’s land banks that could support the delegation’s investment interests.

The delegation expressed appreciation for the warm reception and the valuable insights shared, noting that the engagement had enhanced their understanding of the opportunities available under the Free Zones Scheme.
The visit concluded with a productive exchange of ideas and a shared commitment to exploring mutually beneficial opportunities that would contribute to investment promotion, value addition in agro-processing, job creation and economic growth in Ghana.

Also present at the meeting were the Head of Management Information Systems (MIS), Mr. Isaac Gyan and the Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Bilal Muazu Sulemana.

Issued by Corporate Affairs, PR & Aftercare Department. #gfza #exports #trade #investments #GfzaAt30

[Cassiel Ato Forson (PhD) @Cassielforson]

Excerpts of my opening remarks as Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Côte d’Ivoire–Ghana Cocoa Initiative (CIGCI) at the ongoing 7th Ordinary Meeting:

“I recall our virtual meeting of 4 May 2026 and our collective resolve to convene here in Abidjan for this in-person meeting, which is critical to reaffirming and strengthening our collaboration.

Sustained dialogue and deeper cooperation are not ends in themselves but rather means to an end.

While we may not be able to resolve all our challenges here today, our collective determination to make a genuine and lasting positive impact on our farmers, our countries, and future generations should remain the driving force that guides our work.

The relevance and necessity of this collaboration are undeniable, and we must ensure that it succeeds.

Allow me to reiterate what I said during our virtual meeting in May:

"As the world’s two leading cocoa-producing countries, we must engage more consistently and strategically to protect our economies.

By doing so, we can better anticipate challenges, mitigate shocks, and shape the future of the industry rather than merely reacting to its disruptions."

I therefore encourage us all to engage openly, constructively, and with a shared sense of purpose as we deliberate over the coming hours. Let us focus on identifying practical solutions and concrete actions that will strengthen our partnership and advance the interests of our farmers and our countries.

May God continue to bless our two countries and may we all serve as worthy ambassadors of sustainable and positive change.

The cocoa sector deserves to be transformed into one that is more resilient, prosperous, and profitable for the benefit of both our countries and our farmers.

Thank you for your kind attention.”

[Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang @NJOAgyemang]

I received a delegation from the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana in my office. They highlighted the Society’s continued contribution to healthcare delivery, including its support for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares), and outlined plans for their 90th anniversary celebrations scheduled for September.

I congratulated the Society on reaching such a significant milestone. Ninety years of service is a testament to the important role pharmacists play in Ghana. I also commended them for their advocacy in free primary healthcare, pharmacy education, and professional regulation.

Their concerns about young pharmacists reflect a broader need to continually review and strengthen our healthcare system. We must be prepared to interrogate existing structures, rethink how professionals are trained and integrated into the workforce, and identify innovative ways to create opportunities for the next generation.

The discussions also touched on the need to explore new approaches to healthcare delivery, particularly through more research and the development of Ghana’s traditional and herbal medicines. By harnessing the resources available within our own communities and advancing them through scientific validation, we have an opportunity to reduce our dependence on imported products, expand the local pharmaceutical market, and create new avenues for employment and professional placement. Such an approach can help unlock the value of what we already have around us while strengthening healthcare delivery and promoting greater self-reliance in the sector. I reaffirmed Government’s willingness to support proposals and partnerships that ultimately strengthen service delivery for Ghanaians.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue engaging on issues that advance the pharmaceutical profession and improve healthcare outcomes across the country.

[Ghana Free Zones Authority @GHANAFREEZONES1]

GFZA proudly congratulates Ghana Flower and Greens Limited on the remarkable milestone of its 20th anniversary under the Free Zones Scheme.

Over the past twenty years, Ghana Flower and Greens Limited has established itself as a major participant in Ghana’s horticulture sector, making a significant contribution to the country’s export industry by producing and supplying premium flowers and green products to both international and local markets. Your commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation has helped position Ghana as a strong competitor in the global horticultural supply chain.

These accomplishments align strongly with the core objectives of the Ghana Free Zones Scheme, which is promoting export-led growth, attracting investment and enhancing Ghana’s presence in global markets.
GFZA is honoured to celebrate this significant 20-year milestone with you.
We say Ayekoo! #gfza #floriculture #trade #ExportSuccess #investments #GfzaAt30

[Ghana Free Zones Authority @GHANAFREEZONES1]

GHANA-CHINA INVESTMENT FORUM: GHANA SHOWCASES INDUSTRIAL AND FREE ZONES INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO CHINESE INVESTORS

Jinan,Shandong Province, China, May 2026

Dr. Mary Awusi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, joined the Honorable  Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, at the Ghana-China Investment Forum held in Jinan, Shandong Province, on Thursday 21st May 2026. The event offered the Ghana team the opportunity to present compelling opportunities for industrial partnerships and investment.
In her keynote address, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare made a strong case for increased Chinese investment in Ghana, describing the country as a ready and profitable destination for industrial growth and long-term partnerships.

She highlighted Ghana’s stable democracy, strategic location, investor-friendly reforms, and the government’s commitment to transforming the economy from raw material exports to value-added production. The Minister also referenced successful Chinese investments in Ghana, including Sentuo Group, KEDA, Sunda and Zonda Tec, as clear examples of the country’s growing attractiveness as an investment hub in Africa.

During the forum, Dr. Awusi delivered a presentation on Ghana’s Free Zones Programme, highlighting the country’s strategic position as a preferred investment destination in Africa and the numerous incentives available to investors under the Free Zones regime. She underscored Ghana’s political stability, business-friendly environment, expanding infrastructure, and access to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market of over 1.4 billion people.

Dr. Awusi further showcased the success stories of existing Chinese enterprises operating in Ghana and noted that the Ghana Free Zones Authority currently hosts 33 Chinese enterprises within its enclave and some operating as single factory enclaves.

Other speakers at the forum included Mr. Abdul Baba Razak, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Investment Promotion Authority, and officials representing the Shandong Province.
The Ghanaian delegation led by the Minister later took part in B2B engagements and a networking session.

Issued by Corporate Affairs & PR Department, GFZA.

#gfza #exports #trade #investments #GfzaAt30 @gipcghana @GEPAGhana

[Lateef Apau Wiredu @LateefApau]

The GFZA begun the first edition of the Welfare Month, scheduled for August 2026, under the theme: “Empowered people, a stronger Authority: Promoting wellness for sustainable growth.” This initiative will include seminars, workshops, blood donation, outreach to orphanage etc.

[Ghana Free Zones Authority @GHANAFREEZONES1]

GFZA CEO Launches Maiden Welfare Month Celebration

Accra, May 2026

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), on 26th May 2026, officially launched the maiden edition of the Welfare Month, scheduled for August 2026, under the theme: “Empowered people, a stronger Authority: Promoting wellness for sustainable growth.”

The Chairman of the Welfare Association, Mr. Japhet Ramtin Adombila, in his welcome remarks, indicated that the initiative is aimed at strengthening staff cohesion, enhancing morale, promoting physical and mental wellbeing and reinforcing a culture of appreciation, unity, and teamwork across the Authority.

In her address, the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mary Awusi, who is also the Patroness of the Welfare Association, emphasized that the success of the Authority is driven by its people and reaffirmed Management’s commitment to creating a supportive and people-centered work environment where staff wellbeing remains a priority.

The month-long celebration will feature a variety of activities, including seminars and workshops, health screening and blood donation exercises, outreach to an orphanage, indoor games, and soccer matches.
The Chief Executive Officer encouraged all staff to actively participate in the activities and commended the Welfare Committee for their dedication and efforts in introducing the initiative, which is expected to become a significant tradition within the Authority.

Supporting the Chief Executive Officer in launching the Welfare Month was the Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Operations, Mr. Lateef Apau Wiredu.

Issued by Corporate Affairs & PR Department, GFZA.
#gfza #exports #trade #welfare #WelfareMGFZA CEO Launches Maiden Welfare Month Celebration

Accra, May 2026

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), on 26th May 2026, officially launched the maiden edition of the Welfare Month, scheduled for August 2026, under the theme: “Empowered people, a stronger Authority: Promoting wellness for sustainable growth.”

The Chairman of the Welfare Association, Mr. Japhet Ramtin Adombila, in his welcome remarks, indicated that the initiative is aimed at strengthening staff cohesion, enhancing morale, promoting physical and mental wellbeing, and reinforcing a culture of appreciation, unity, and teamwork across the Authority.

In her address, the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mary Awusi, who is also the Patroness of the Welfare Association, emphasized that the success of the Authority is driven by its people and reaffirmed Management’s commitment to creating a supportive and people-centered work environment where staff wellbeing remains a priority.

The month-long celebration will feature a variety of activities, including seminars and workshops, health screening and blood donation exercises, outreach to an orphanage, indoor games, and soccer matches.
The Chief Executive Officer encouraged all staff to actively participate in the activities and commended the Welfare Committee for their dedication and efforts in introducing the initiative, which is expected to become a significant tradition within the Authority.

Supporting the Chief Executive Officer in launching the Welfare Month was the Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Operations, Mr. Lateef Apau Wiredu.

Issued by Corporate Affairs & PR Department, GFZA.

#gfza #welfare #trade #exports #WelfareMonth #investments #GfzaAt30

[Lateef Apau Wiredu @LateefApau]

We celebrate our Muslim brothers across the length and breadth of the country🎉❤️

[Ghana Free Zones Authority @GHANAFREEZONES1]

Ghana Free Zones Authority holds orientation for Foreign Service Officers 

May, 2026

On 22nd May 2026, the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) hosted a delegation of Foreign Service Officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of their pre-posting orientation programme, led by the Director for Culture, Linguistics and Trade Bureau, Mrs. Ninette Danquah Ivo, the visit was aimed at providing the officers with firsthand insight into the operations of Ghana’s Free Zones Scheme and the Authority’s role in advancing investment attraction and export-led industrialisation.

The programme opened with an address by the Director of the Tema Administrative Office, Mr. Edward Adu-Ntiamoah, who presented an overview of the Tema Free Zones Enclave, the Authority’s flagship enclave hosting over 70 companies, predominantly export-oriented enterprises.

In his welcome remarks, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Finance and Administration, Mr. Hamidu Sibiri Musah, underscored the strategic partnership between the Authority and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in promoting Ghana’s economic and international trade interests.

He emphasised that through diplomatic engagements and economic diplomacy, Ghana’s embassies can effectively position the country as a competitive investment destination and promote the incentives available under the Free Zones Scheme to drive foreign direct investment, technology transfer, export expansion and employment generation.

A detailed presentation was delivered by the Director for Corporate Affairs, PR & Aftercare, Dr. Mrs. Patience Agbleze Acorlor, covering the objectives of the Free Zones Programme, operational procedures, priority sectors and inter-agency collaboration. The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment, during which the delegation received further clarification. 

In his closing remarks, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Operations, Mr. Lateef Apau Wiredu, encouraged the officers to promote the opportunities available under the Free Zones Scheme in order to attract more investments into Ghana.
The delegation also undertook visits to three free zone enterprises: Dignity DTRT Ltd. (garment manufacturing); Niche Cocoa Industry Ltd. (Cocoa processing); and Ghana Specialty Fats Ltd. (shea nut processing).

The delegation expressed appreciation for the engagement, noting that the experience had significantly enhanced their understanding of Ghana’s investment landscape and would better inform their representation of the country’s
interests abroad.

Also in attendance was the Director for Administration, Hajia Hanatu Abubakar-Bimi, as well as other officers of the Authority.

Issued by Corporate Affairs & PR Department, GFZA.
#gfza #exports #trade #foreignAffairs #investments #FreeZoneEnterprises #GfzaAt30

[Ghana Free Zones Authority @GHANAFREEZONES1]

GFZA CEO Visits Philbro Group’s New Integrated Refinery Project Site

Kyekyewere, May 2026

A delegation from the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (Customs Division), led by the Chief Executive Officer of the GFZA, Dr. Mary Awusi, on Wednesday, 13th May 2026, paid a working visit to the new project site of Philbro Group Limited at Kyekyewere in the Eastern Region.
The visit formed part of the Authority’s ongoing stakeholder engagement and monitoring activities aimed at supporting the growth and development of Free Zones enterprises across the country.

During the tour, the CEO and Chairman of Philbro Group Limited, Philip Brobbey, made a detailed presentation on the company’s ambitious integrated oil refinery project, which is being developed on a 360-acre parcel of land.
The facility, currently under construction, is expected to house a modern processing plant, water treatment facility, staff accommodation units, a canteen, clinic, and daycare centre, all designed to support efficient operations and staff welfare.

He further indicated that by-products generated from the refinery process would be converted into soap and other value-added products. He also noted that the company is producing its own construction blocks for the ongoing development of the facility, demonstrating a strong focus on self-sufficiency and local production capacity.

Dr. Mary Awusi expressed satisfaction with the scale of work being undertaken at the site and commended the company for its forward-looking approach to industrial development. Special commendation was given to the inclusion of staff-focused facilities such as the daycare centre, clinic, and accommodation units, which she noted would significantly improve employee welfare and productivity.

She further highlighted the importance of the daycare facility in supporting working mothers and promoting women’s empowerment within the industrial sector, describing it as a thoughtful initiative that encourages greater female participation in the workforce.

Officials of the Customs Division highlighted the importance of continued cooperation in facilitating efficient trade processes and maintaining regulatory standards within the Free Zones enclave.

Dr. Mary Awusi was accompanied by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Finance and Administration, Mr.  Musah Sibiri Hamidu; Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Operations, Mr. Lateef Apau Wiredu; Senior Manager for Corporate Affairs, Mr. Bilal Muazu Sulemana; Head of Compliance, Mr. Michael Larbi; as well as other officers of the Authority.

Issued by Corporate Affairs & PR Department, GFZA #gfza #trade #exports #investments #prioritySectors #oilrefinery

[John Dramani Mahama @JDMahama]

Before leaving Accra for Nairobi, I signed into law three transformative bills recently passed by Parliament. The Legal Education Act, the Value for Money Office Act, and the Governance Advisory Council Act strengthen our institutions and protect the interests of every Ghanaian.

The Legal Education Act is a game-changer for our justice system. By ending the exclusive authority of the Ghana School of Law over professional legal education, we are introducing healthy competition and opening doors for more institutions to provide high-quality training. This ensures that we maintain the highest standards while creating the space many aspiring lawyers have long waited for.

With the Value for Money Office Act, we are institutionalising the review of major government contracts and expenditures. This office will be our frontline defence against inflated contracts, cost overruns, and wasteful spending. Every cedi spent must provide real value to the people of Ghana.

I am also proud to have signed the Governance Advisory Council Act. This fulfils a key promise I made to promote good governance and public trust. This independent body will help our efforts to combat corruption. It also ensures that leadership remains accountable to the people.

#ResettingGhana

[Lateef Apau Wiredu @LateefApau]

The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), on Thursday, 7th May 2026, held the maiden meeting of the Agribusiness Technical Working Group (TWG) as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration and drive the growth of Ghana’s agribusiness sector under the Free Zones Programme.

[Richmond Rockson, Esq. @MrRockson]

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition Hon. Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, together with key power sector stakeholders, toured ongoing electricity infrastructure projects in Kumasi and parts of the Ashanti Region to assess progress on efforts aimed at improving power reliability and strengthening electricity supply across the region.

The tour covered transmission and distribution upgrade works being undertaken by GRIDCo and ECG, as well as transformer upgrade and replacement projects at the Anwomaso and Kumasi substations, which are expected to significantly increase bulk power supply capacity.

Government is also working to add 1,000 MW of generation capacity in the middle belt through projects including the AKSA Power Plant, CENIT, AMERI Power Plant and the ARVENSIS Energy Project as part of efforts to build a more resilient, efficient and future-ready electricity network.

[Cassiel Ato Forson (PhD) @Cassielforson]

A while ago, I welcomed the World Health Organization Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Yakub Janabi, for discussions on strengthening Ghana’s health system.

I noted that our focus must now go beyond long life to ensuring quality life for our people.

Since 2025, we have undertaken major reforms in the health sector, including increasing budgetary releases, uncapping the National Health Insurance Levy, and ensuring that the NHIA receives its full allocations, ring-fenced strictly for health-related activities.

We are also investing in the fight against non-communicable diseases through the Ghana Medical Trust Fund and the establishment of specialised non-communicable disease units. In addition, we recently launched the Free Primary Healthcare Programme.

As support from the Global Fund for vaccines and critical medicines winds down by 2029, we are taking steps to ensure that, beginning January 2030, Ghana fully budgets for and finances these vaccines and essential medicines.

Dr Janabi commended Ghana’s progress and stressed that a healthy population is essential for productivity and economic growth.

He also underscored the need for Africa to strengthen local medicine and vaccine production, reduce dependence on imports, and invest more aggressively in tackling non-communicable diseases.

[Ghana Free Zones Authority @GHANAFREEZONES1]

Recap from our Labour Day Celebrations.

[Joyce Bawah Mogtari @joyce_bawah]

Thank you Sir, for reiterating your point we know that the mischievous ‘people’ were aware that the tricycles were meant for the outreach workers!

[Lateef Apau Wiredu @LateefApau]

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), Dr. Mary Awusi together with Mr. Lateef Apau Wiredu and some managers of the GFZA, led a high-level team on an inspection visit to the Authority’s newly designated Export Processing Zone (EPZ) at Afienya .