Government to meet Free Zones Authority over Customs Act incentives

President John Dramani Mahama plans to meet with the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry and the Ghana Free Zones Authority next week to discuss issues concerning the Customs Act, 2026. The meeting aims to address complaints from free zone enterprises who believe that recent changes in the new law have diminished some of the incentives they previously enjoyed.

This discussion is scheduled to occur after Finance Minister Ato Gyan-Dada returns from attending meetings with the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

During a visit to Ghanaian garment manufacturer DTRT, President Mahama acknowledged the concerns raised by businesses within the Free Zones sector. These enterprises have expressed dissatisfaction with the new Customs Act, stating that it has rolled back certain incentives they had been receiving. The president assured them that the government is fully committed to supporting local industries, emphasizing the government's aim to foster growth and job creation.

President Mahama reiterated that both domestic and foreign investors will receive equal attention from the government. He stressed the importance of creating a conducive environment for businesses to flourish, stating that the government will not prioritize foreign investors over domestic ones. The meeting with the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry and the Ghana Free Zones Authority is a proactive step towards resolving the issues faced by the Free Zones industries and ensuring a favorable business climate in Ghana.