The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has led efforts to resolve 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 held on April 14, convened in response to the Association’s request for dialogue, provided a platform for stakeholders to address the operational challenges triggered by the 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 the concerns raised by industry players particularly the impact on businesses operating under Commercial Free Zone Licenses 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, Mr 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 path forward, the Minister emphasized the need for a balanced approach that addresses these infractions without unduly affecting legitimate businesses.

Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare 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.