Government cuts sod for 1,238-acre Afienya Industrial Park to boost jobs and exports
President John Dramani Mahama has cut the sod for the construction of the 1,238-acre Afienya Industrial Park. The project is expected to accommodate more than 120 companies and expand Ghana’s manufacturing capacity, exports and job opportunities. When completed, the industrial park will have essential infrastructure, including electricity, water, roads, and waste treatment facilities, enabling…
President John Dramani Mahama inaugurated the construction of the Afienya Industrial Park, a massive 1,238-acre project aimed at boosting Ghana's manufacturing sector, exports, and employment opportunities. Upon completion, the industrial park will provide essential infrastructure such as power, water, transportation networks, and waste management facilities, allowing companies to establish factories and commence operations.
At the sod-cutting ceremony held on October 15, 2026, Mahama emphasized the project's role in addressing the growing demand for industrial space, as Tema Export Processing Zone nears full capacity. The government's proposed $10 billion New Economy Programme, set to launch in 2027, will support infrastructure development at the park as part of efforts to boost domestic production, reduce import dependency, and enhance exports.
Following the ceremony, Mahama toured several industries in the Afienya enclave, expressing the government's commitment to fostering investment opportunities, expanding industrial activity, and generating jobs. Meanwhile, Dr. Mary Awusi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, shared positive export growth figures.
The Authority's free zones scheme generated $2.34 billion in exports and $161 million in capital investment during the second quarter of 2026, marking progress toward its 2025 targets of $3.1 billion in exports and $279 million in capital investment.
As of the second quarter of 2026, the free zones scheme had licensed 334 enterprises, creating 78,155 direct jobs and over 84,000 indirect jobs across various sectors, including manufacturing, agro-processing, services, and more. The Ghana Free Zones Authority anticipates that the Afienya Industrial Park will provide the necessary additional capacity to accommodate this growth, with already allocated land for 14 companies.
The project will attract investment in sectors like manufacturing, agro-processing, textiles, pharmaceuticals, logistics, technology, and renewables.
Dr. Awusi called for greater support from both public and private sectors to provide the required infrastructure for the project, acknowledging that the Authority's funds alone would not suffice to cover the full cost of development.
Written by urgent.news from Joy Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
