Thursday, 30 July 2026

Ghana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026

Thursday, 30 July 2026

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Ghanaian press · Organization

Ghana Free Zones Authority

Also known as: GFZA

Ghana Free Zones Authority — government agency managing Ghana's Free Zones Programme established in 1995 to promote export-led growth; facing scrutiny over CEO conduct in 2026.

2026-04-252026-07-30

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

April 2026
26 AprJoy Online
The Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has extended forgiveness to the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Dr Mary Awusi, following a recent public controversy over comments on illegal mining. …
“I have forgiven her”- Pentecost chair replies Chief of Staff after apology on behalf of Free Zones CEO
26 AprJoy Online
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has publicly apologised to the leadership of the Church of Pentecost following recent comments made by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Mary Awusi, which were perceived to be critical of the church. …
Chief of Staff tears as he apologises to Pentecost Church over Free Zones CEO’s conduct
26 AprJoy Online
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has made an emotional appeal for forgiveness on behalf of the government following public controversy surrounding remarks attributed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Dr Mary Awusi. …
Forgive us, it was just a slip — Chief of Staff appeals for forgiveness from Church of Pentecost
26 AprJoy Online
… His remarks come against the backdrop of a recent controversy in which the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Dr Mary Awusi, publicly criticised the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, over comments condemning illegal mining. …
‘If people cannot think beyond party, they should stop opening their mouths’ — Rev. Prof Mante warns
26 AprJoy Online
… His remarks come against the backdrop of recent controversy reported by Myjoyonline.com, in which the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority publicly criticised the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost over comments condemning illegal mining. …
‘We’re not afraid of anybody’- Rev Prof Mante fumes over ‘attack on clergyman for galamsey comments
26 AprJoy Online
… His remarks come against the backdrop of a recent controversy in which the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Dr Mary Awusi, publicly criticised the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost over comments condemning illegal mining. …
‘We’re not afraid of anybody’- Rev. Prof Mante fumes over attack on clergyman for galamsey comment
25 AprJoy Online
Member of Parliament for Abirem, Charles Owiredu, has criticised the CEO of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Dr. …
Free Zones CEO should’ve been sacked for her comments against Pentecost Chairman – Charles Owiredu

Mining & Energy

Buipe solar project construction begins next month, 1,500MW planned

The News

Construction of the first phase of the Buipe solar power project, expected to generate 1,500 megawatts with initial 100 megawatts coming on stream next month, will begin under Ghana's 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme. The project aims to reduce electricity costs for industry from 18–23 US cents per kilowatt-hour to seven–nine cents and boost manufacturing competitiveness.

17 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

Friday 17 July

Buipe solar project construction begins next month, 1,500MW planned
Construction of the first phase of the Buipe solar power project, expected to generate 1,500 megawatts with initial 100 megawatts coming on stream next month, will begin under Ghana's 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme. The project aims to reduce electricity costs for industry from 18–23 US cents per kilowatt-hour to seven–nine cents and boost manufacturing competitiveness.
17 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Buipe solar project to begin construction next month
Construction of the first phase of the Buipe solar power project, expected to generate 1,500 megawatts, will begin next month under Ghana's 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme. The initial 100 megawatts is expected to come on stream next month, with the project aimed at reducing electricity costs for industry and boosting manufacturing competitiveness.
17 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

Tuesday 7 July

MIE Group opens 7th Ghana Investment and Trade Week
Organisers of the Ghana Investment and Trade Week, MIE Events, opened the 7th edition in Accra on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, with the aim of attracting foreign direct investment, strengthening industrial partnerships, and positioning Ghana as a gateway for businesses seeking opportunities in West Africa. The event brings together investors, policymakers, business leaders and exhibitors from several countries, with previous editions having linked Ghanaian businesses to investors and companies from China, India, Türkiye and Italy.
7 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Monday 29 June

GEPA opens Ghana Trade House in Philadelphia
The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has officially opened the Ghana Trade House in Philadelphia, establishing Ghana's first dedicated commercial foothold on the United States East Coast. The facility provides market intelligence, trade advisory, export matchmaking, investment promotion support, and financing access for Ghanaian businesses seeking to enter or expand in the American market.
29 June 2026 · Business & Financial Times →

Friday 26 June

GEPA opens Ghana Trade House in Philadelphia
The Ghana Export Promotion Authority has opened a Ghana Trade House in Philadelphia, Ghana's first dedicated commercial facility on the U.S. East Coast, offering market intelligence, trade advisory, export matchmaking, and investment promotion support to Ghanaian businesses seeking entry to the American market.
26 June 2026 · Joy Online →
GEPA opens Ghana Trade House in Philadelphia for export support
The Ghana Export Promotion Authority has opened a Ghana Trade House in Philadelphia, establishing Ghana's first dedicated commercial facility on the U.S. East Coast. The facility provides market intelligence, trade advisory, export matchmaking, and investment promotion support for Ghanaian businesses entering the American market, and follows similar Trade Houses opened in London and Kenya.
26 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 24 June

GIPC Invites Canadian Investors to Ghana's Key Sectors
The CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre called on Canadian investors to pursue opportunities in Ghana's cocoa processing, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy and other sectors. He highlighted Ghana's natural resources, youthful population and West African market access as investment attractions, noting that Ghana is prioritising value addition to drive industrial growth.
24 June 2026 · Daily Guide →

Monday 22 June

GIPC seeks Canadian investment in cocoa, pharmaceuticals, energy
The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre CEO has told Canadian investors that Ghana is seeking increased investment in cocoa processing, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and oil and gas, citing the country's natural resources, youthful population, and strategic West African access as attractions for expanding continental operations.
22 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 16 June

Ghana Business League Awards 2026 set for June in Accra
The fourth edition of the Ghana Business League Awards will take place on June 27, 2026, at Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, recognising leading businesses and corporate executives across the country's manufacturing, supply and service sectors. The event, organised by Maven Communications and Zeliatte Media with support from Africaworks, is expected to attract business leaders, policymakers, investors and government ministers.
16 June 2026 · Business & Financial Times →
Ghana to use World Cup 2026 for investor recruitment forums
Ghana's investment and export agencies are organizing Invest Ghana Business Forums in Canada and the United States during the 2026 FIFA World Cup to attract foreign direct investment and highlight opportunities in energy, agribusiness, manufacturing, mining, and other sectors.
16 June 2026 · Joy Online →
Ghana Business League Awards 2026 to celebrate corporate excellence
Organisers of the Ghana Business League Awards announced plans for the fourth edition, scheduled for June 27, 2026, at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra. The awards will recognise outstanding performance across Ghana's manufacturing, supply and service sectors and are expected to bring together senior business executives, policymakers, industry leaders and members of the diplomatic community.
16 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 10 June

MP praises Free Zones Authority, urges Act review
Michael Okyere Baafi, Ranking Member of Parliament's Trade, Industry, and Tourism Committee, praised the Ghana Free Zones Authority's progress in attracting investment and creating employment, and urged management to review the Free Zones Act to keep pace with global trade dynamics and strengthen partnerships with international financing institutions.
10 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Monday 1 June

PhD research assesses Ghana's Free Zones Programme macroeconomic impact
A technical brief by Dr. Alexander Quaicoe examines Ghana's Free Zones Programme, established in 1995 and launched in 1996 to shift the economy toward export-led growth, using econometric analysis from 1998 to 2022 to assess its impact on exchange rate, economic growth, and inflation while providing reform recommendations.
1 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 21 May

Ghana's Trade Minister leads investment mission to China
Ghana's Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare is leading a high-level delegation to China to attract strategic investments into Ghana's industrial and agribusiness sectors as part of the government's industrial transformation programme. The delegation, which includes officials from multiple ministries and agencies, is participating in a China–Ghana Investment Forum and touring major industrial facilities in Hubei and Wuhan Provinces.
21 May 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 19 May

CHRAJ petition filed against Free Zones CEO over alleged misconduct
A petition has been filed at CHRAJ seeking an investigation into alleged misconduct by Ghana Free Zones Authority CEO Dr Mary Awusi, who is accused of misusing official working hours for media appearances and discussions unrelated to her official duties. The petitioners are asking CHRAJ to determine whether her conduct constitutes a breach of public service ethics, administrative impropriety, or misuse of state resources.
19 May 2026 · Joy Online →

Monday 18 May

Religion's role in Ghana's moral health and national development
Despite Ghana's strong religious presence, the country continues to face corruption, indiscipline and moral decay, raising questions about how faith can meaningfully contribute to national progress. Religious organisations have contributed to education and healthcare, but development requires ethics in leadership and public service beyond ceremonial worship.
18 May 2026 · Daily Guide →

Saturday 16 May

Former MP thanks officials for support during kidney transplant journey
Kojo Adu-Asare, former Adentan MP, has publicly thanked Kwadwo Twum Boafo (CEO of the Financial Intelligence Centre), Julius Debrah (Chief of Staff), Ato Forson and Mohammed Amin Adam (current and former Finance Ministers), and others for their support during his six-year battle with kidney failure and transplant.
16 May 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 7 May

Ofori Sarpong commissions 600-bed dormitory for PRESEC
Businessman Ernest Ofori Sarpong on Tuesday commissioned a newly constructed 600-bed dormitory for Presbyterian Boys' Senior High School (PRESEC), his alma mater, to mark his 60th birthday. The project, begun in November 2025, is intended to address congestion at the school, which currently has 6,000 students.
7 May 2026 · Daily Guide →

Monday 4 May

Church Elder arrested as NAIMOS targets galamsey operation
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat arrested a Church of Pentecost Elder, David Bobie Peter, who was working as a foreman at an illegal mining site in Akyem Morso, Asante Akim District. During the operation along the Kume River, the task force dismantled eight Chanfang machines, four wooden gold-washing platforms, and seized twelve water pumping machines, though most of the illegal miners fled when security personnel arrived.
4 May 2026 · Daily Guide →

Thursday 30 April

Prof. Yankah criticizes Debrah's apology over CEO's church remarks
Prof. Kwesi Yankah has criticized Chief of Staff Julius Debrah for apologizing on behalf of Ghana Free Zones Authority CEO Dr. Mary Awusi's comments toward a Church of Pentecost leader, saying government should instead focus on environmental pollution and illegal mining. Debrah wept during an apology at his birthday service in response to Awusi's confrontational remarks to Apostle Eric Kwabena Nyamekye over concerns about polluted rivers affecting baptisms in mining areas.
30 April 2026 · Daily Guide →
Clergy urges grace for Free Zones boss over church comments
The General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana has opposed calls to dismiss the CEO of the Ghana Free Zones Authority over controversial remarks about the church, urging instead a measured response that prioritises forgiveness. He acknowledged the incident warrants strong condemnation and firm but proportionate discipline, but argued for second chances rather than removal from office.
30 April 2026 · Joy Online →
Christian Council calls for action beyond CEO's public apology
The General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana says a public apology from the CEO of the Ghana Free Zones Authority is insufficient and calls for stronger government action to uphold public standards following remarks she directed at the Church of Pentecost chairman over his comments on illegal mining.
30 April 2026 · Joy Online →
NPP communications chief calls for Free Zones CEO removal
Richard Ahiagbah, the NPP Director of Communications, has called for the removal of the Ghana Free Zones Authority CEO, arguing that stronger action beyond the Chief of Staff's public apology is needed to address what he describes as a broader problem of "politics of insult" and to protect democratic discourse.
30 April 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 29 April

Christian Council backs aggressive galamsey crackdown, environmental protection
The Christian Council of Ghana has backed stronger national action against illegal mining, warning that environmental destruction from galamsey cannot continue unchecked and calling environmental protection both a civic and moral duty. The Council plans to launch its Environmental Care and Cleanliness Programme on April 30.
29 April 2026 · Joy Online →
Catholic Bishops defend church's role in national discourse
The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference has defended the Church's involvement in public matters, saying its engagement is a divine responsibility rooted in spiritual and moral mandate, not political activism. The statement responds to commentary that suggested Church leaders commenting on issues such as illegal mining could be regarded as politicians.
29 April 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 28 April

Prof Yankah criticizes Chief of Staff's emotional apology to church
Prof Kwesi Yankah has criticized Chief of Staff Julius Debrah's emotional public apology to the Church of Pentecost, arguing that national leaders should reserve public emotion for Ghana's environmental crisis from illegal mining rather than political controversies.
28 April 2026 · Joy Online →
Prof Yankah criticises Chief of Staff's emotional apology to church
Prof Kwesi Yankah, a former Minister of State and academic, has criticised Chief of Staff Julius Debrah's emotional public apology to the leadership of the Church of Pentecost, arguing that national leaders should reserve public emotion for Ghana's environmental crisis rather than political controversies. Yankah contends that illegal mining's destruction of Ghana's environment should be the real cause for national grief.
28 April 2026 · Joy Online →

Monday 27 April

Apostle Nyamekye calls for calm after Awusi remarks controversy
The Chairman of the Church of Pentecost has appealed for calm and reconciliation following public uproar over remarks by the CEO of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Mavis Awusi, which were made in response to church concerns about environmental damage from illegal mining. Apostle Nyamekye said he harbours no ill feelings and urged Ghanaians to move on from the issue.
27 April 2026 · Joy Online →
Religious leaders reject threats over galamsey criticism
Reverend Professor Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante, former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, has rejected attempts to intimidate religious leaders for criticising illegal mining (galamsey), following warnings from the Ghana Free Zones Authority CEO that Apostle Eric Nyamekye would be "dealt with" if he continued highlighting environmental destruction. Mante insists the church will continue to condemn wrongdoing regardless of political considerations.
27 April 2026 · Joy Online →

Sunday 26 April

Pentecost chair forgives Free Zones CEO over mining comments dispute
The Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has forgiven the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Dr Mary Awusi, following a public controversy over her comments attacking his remarks about illegal mining's damage to church baptism sites. The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, publicly apologised on behalf of Dr Awusi at a church service, after which Apostle Nyamekye said he bore no ill will and believed the incident had drawn positive attention to the church.
26 April 2026 · Joy Online →