Audio By Carbonatix The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, on Tuesday, April 14, led efforts to address 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, convened in response to the Association’s request for dialogue, provided a platform for stakeholders to examine operational challenges triggered by a 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 concerns raised by industry players—particularly the impact on businesses operating under Commercial Free Zone Licences and disruptions to consignments at the ports—the meeting focused on identifying practical solutions that would protect regulatory integrity while ensuring business continuity. During discussions, the Commissioner of Customs, Aaron Kanor, explained that the directive was introduced in response to emerging cases of abuse, where some companies were allegedly smuggling finished goods into Free Zone enclaves under the guise of compliance. The Minister stressed the need for a balanced approach to address these infractions without undermining legitimate businesses, and called for stronger collaboration between the Ghana Free Zones Authority and the Customs Division, including enhanced joint monitoring within the enclaves to ensure strict compliance. DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited. Tags: Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare Free Zones Stakeholders Trade DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited. Related to this story Trade Minister applauds GUTA as a pillar of economic growth; Prez Mahama honoured Publican AI system is speeding up trade, not slowing it — GRA Boss Property rates: Stakeholders advocate digitisation, transparency, … The WTO is debating trade: The world runs on investment Traders, Freight forwarders push back against planned cargo tracking policy Justice is the engine of growth – Chief Justice Meet us halfway – Trade Minister tasks private sector with AfCFTA success Gov’t to overhaul free zones into manufacturing hubs for local production – Trade Minister Ghana losing $2.5bn yearly from raw exports – Trade Minister reveals A-Plus announces plans to build port, launch Free Zones and new city in Gomoa Central Latest Stories Communications Minister calls for unified African position ahead of WTSA 20288 minutes DTI christens entrepreneurship hub after J.A Kufuor to spur industrial growth9 minutes Energy Minister warns ECG district offices over poor service delivery11 minutes GNFS saves five rooms from fire outbreak at Gbawe Gravel junction12 minutes Balancing compliance and trade: Stakeholders chart way forward on free zones directive16 minutes IMANI Africa welcomes GIA’s intervention: What this means for Ghana’s insurance industry and the public25 minutes Carlos Queiroz will bring discipline to Black Stars – Faisal Chibsah28 minutes ECG to commence Phase Two of transformer upgrade at Lashibi29 minutes Congo to receive first group of deportees from US this week, sources say30 minutes Ghana moves to endorse EWIPA declaration32 minutes Kufuor calls for stronger private sector support to tackle unemployment34 minutes Sachet water prices rise in Tema despite calls to suspend increases35 minutes DVLA closes six vehicle testing centres over roadworthiness breaches36 minutes Agenda 111 completion timeline must be realistic — Julius Anthony46 minutes GIS sets up operation to remove street beggars, arrest unregistered migrants49 minutes