Government, stakeholders move to fix Free Zones directive issues

The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, led efforts to address concerns arising from a recent directive affecting operations within Ghana’s Free Zones, following a petition by the Association of Free Zones Enterprises (AFZE).

The engagement, convened in response to the association’s request for dialogue, provided a platform for stakeholders to address operational challenges triggered by a directive issued by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, which temporarily halted the processing and receipt of finished goods into Free Zone enclaves.

While acknowledging concerns raised by industry players, particularly the impact on businesses operating under Commercial Free Zone Licences and disruptions to consignments at the ports, the meeting focused on identifying practical solutions that safeguard both regulatory integrity and business continuity.

During deliberations, the Commissioner of Customs, Aaron Kanor, clarified that the directive was a necessary response to emerging cases of abuse, where some companies were found to be smuggling finished goods into the Free Zones enclave under the guise of operating within the law.

In charting a way forward, the Minister emphasised the need for a balanced approach that addresses these infractions without unduly affecting legitimate businesses.

She further underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration between the Ghana Free Zones Authority and the Customs Division, proposing enhanced joint monitoring within the enclaves to ensure strict compliance.