John Dramani Mahama cuts sod for 1,238-acre Afienya Industrial Park

President John Dramani Mahama has officially broken ground for the construction of the Afienya Industrial Park in the Greater Accra Region. The 1,238-acre facility is a strategic initiative by the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) to address the saturation of the Tema Export Processing Zone and boost the country's industrial capacity. Designed to host more than 120 enterprises, the park is expected to become a central hub for manufacturing and logistics in the West African sub-region, contributing significantly to the national goal of industrialization.

The development is part of the government's broader economic strategy, supported by the New Economy Programme, which seeks to expand production and reduce imports. According to the President, the park will prioritize export-oriented businesses in sectors including agriculture, textiles, and renewable energy. Dr. Mary Awusi of the GFZA noted that the project has already seen strong investor interest, with 14 companies having secured land at the site to establish their operations as construction begins.

During the ceremony, President Mahama issued a directive to investors to prioritize the employment and training of residents from the surrounding local communities. He emphasized that industrial expansion must result in tangible benefits for the youth and women in the area, who constitute a large portion of the potential workforce. To facilitate this, the President called for the establishment of specialized training programs to equip local workers with the technical skills required for roles within the new industrial complex.

The Afienya Industrial Park is positioned to increase foreign exchange earnings through enhanced exports and leverage existing infrastructure to create a competitive environment for both domestic and foreign direct investment. President Mahama highlighted that this move aligns with the administration's goal of transforming Ghana into a premier manufacturing destination. The park is expected to offer extensive employment opportunities and foster sustainable economic growth through large-scale industrialization.