GFZB charts new strategy to improve operations
The Ghana Free Zone Board (GFZB) has held the first ever dialogue with chief executives of free zones enterprises in the country.
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The dialogue, held in Koforidua, was organised to create the platform to discuss the challenges facing companies operating in the free zones enclaves since they were established more than two decades ago.
At the same function, the management of the GFZB engaged the media on the sidelines to discuss the new direction of the free zones enclaves.
It was explained to the media that contrary to the perception that free zones enterprise must be solely foreign owned, local enterprises could either on their own or by partnership with foreign investors operate in the enclaves.
The Executive Secretary of the GFZB, Mr Michael Okyere Baafi, said the critical requirements for operating in the free zones enclave was that 70 per cent of the produce must be exported while the remaining was sold on the local market.
New strategy
He told the gathering that his outfit was charting a new strategy to improve on its operations and change its face in the eyes of investors.
He said the new strategy was also to market Ghana as a destination of choice for investments that had the potential to generate exports.
The dialogue was dubbed: "GFZB -Poised for Enhanced Delivery of Service."
He said the mission of the board was to help transform Ghana into the gateway to West Africa by creating an attractive and conducive business environment through the provision of competitive free zone incentives and operation of an efficient “one-stop-shop”, for the promotion and enhancement of domestic and foreign investment.
Mr Baafi said that could be achieved through the promotion of economic development with the attraction of Foreign Direct Investments, creation of employment opportunities and increasing foreign exchange earnings.
He said the GFZB was committed to improving quality service delivery in enclave development, manufacturing, service and commercial/warehousing.
Mr Baafi said the GFZB had tapped into the expertise of its staff to bring valuable experience, new ideas and opportunities, which would dwell on client satisfaction, a comprehensive approach to improvement, continuous improvement and mutual respect and teamwork.
“We have also introduced speed as a business strategy to improve on quality of service delivery with regard to GFZB License and Exemption application processes, visa application, renewal and vehicle registration processes,” he said.
He added that the GFZB would purposefully open independent offices across the country to carry out the same functions with the reason to give investors the opportunity to gain access to different geographical markets.
“Another reason is to meet the GFZB clients’ needs who travel far and wide to seek our services. Our offices in Tema and Takoradi would be upgraded into client/investor-friendly offices,” he said.
Projects
Mr Baafi said the GFZB was introducing a number of projects, which would generate revenue for the board.
The projects include the construction of a business centre with meeting and conference halls, event centres, healthcare centre, a shopping mall and a multi-purpose office to rent.
He stated that those projects were targeted at investors who might not have offices to operate.
He said a tolling system would be introduced at the Tema Enclave as a scheme to stop non-free zones vehicles plying the route as a thoroughfare.
“A modern conference centre within the newly constructed head office complex is available for rental to FZEs at subsidised rates,” he added.
Mr Baafi said due to the alarming number of complaints from investors, the GFZB would establish a land acquisition unit which would be tasked to mediate, negotiate and secure problem-free properties for investors and to provide information on rights and responsibilities to both parties
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He said the GFZB would soon launch its maiden “Investment Promotion Week Celebration”, aimed at encouraging business executives and entrepreneurs who had surplus funds to invest in the “Export-Oriented Businesses”.
Mr Baafi added that over the years, FZEs were not given the opportunity to participate in international fairs.
He said the board had taken the decision to consciously invite enterprises to participate in international fairs so as to interact, learn and adopt new ideas in running their businesses.
The Executive Secretary said the board intended to build state-of-the-art Export Processing Zones (EPZs), which were expected to support light and heavy industrial-specific businesses.
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“Also two Industry-Dedicated-Sites, Eshiem and Ningo EPZs, close to Takoradi and Tema Ports have been allocated for these projects to house the anchor clients,” he said.
He said these projects would be fully supported by Tanger Med FZ of Morocco that had pledged technical assistance in a memorandum of understanding signed by the two bodies.
“The GFZB recently acquired specific enclaves in Bomfah, Obomeng-Kwahu and Pong-Tamale in the Ashanti, Eastern and Northern regions and also in the process of acquiring lands in the other regions by the close of this year,” he said.
Oil companies
Mr Baafi encouraged offshore oil companies to join the Free Zone programme by taking advantage of the Shama and Eshiem enclaves, which would specifically cater for the companies.
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“We are also seeking both local and foreign investors to partner in the development of these enclaves through the participation of the Build, Operate and Transfer model, joint venture and Sector Specific Development,” Mr Baafi added.
Officials of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Narcotics Control Board (NACOB), the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), the Ghana Community Network (GCNet) and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) took the participants through their operations which the participants raised the challenges they faced interfacing with the service agencies.