Mahama Cuts Sod For Afienya Industrial Park To Boost Investment And Job Creation
Story By: Zainab Ali
President John Dramani Mahama has cut the sod for the development of the Afienya Industrial Park in the Greater Accra Region, in a move aimed at expanding Ghana’s industrial capacity, attracting investment and creating employment opportunities.
The industrial park is a strategic initiative of the Ghana Free Zones Authority designed to provide an investment-ready environment for manufacturing, warehousing, logistics and other industrial activities. According to the agency, the site covers approximately 1,238.22 acres, equivalent to 501.10 hectares, and 14 companies have already been allocated space within the park.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony, President Mahama said the project was part of efforts to position Ghana as a manufacturing and logistics hub for the West African sub-region. He explained that the development would create space for businesses to establish or expand operations, support the growth of new industries and provide opportunities for more people to secure productive employment.
The President also pointed to growing investor interest in Ghana, noting that figures from the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre showed registered foreign direct investment rising from US$624 million in 2024 to US$2.62 billion in 2025. He said the new industrial park was intended to respond to the demand for land and infrastructure from businesses seeking to establish factories and other operations in the country.
The project is expected to provide essential infrastructure and services, including roads, electricity, water, waste treatment and security, to support companies operating within the zone. The Ghana Free Zones Authority’s existing operations have supported approximately 78,000 jobs, with 98 per cent of direct jobs under the scheme held by Ghanaians, according to figures cited by the President.
The success of the Afienya Industrial Park will depend not only on attracting companies but also on ensuring that investment translates into sustainable employment, skills development and economic opportunities for surrounding communities. Local businesses could benefit from increased demand for transport, accommodation, food services and other supplies as industrial activity expands.
For young people seeking employment, the development presents an important opportunity to watch as the project progresses. However, the actual number of jobs that will be created at Afienya will depend on the companies that establish operations, the pace of construction and the types of industries that eventually begin production.
The government’s challenge will be to ensure that the project delivers its intended benefits through reliable infrastructure, effective management and opportunities for Ghanaian workers and businesses. If successfully implemented, the industrial park could become an important part of the country’s wider industrialisation agenda.