- Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice President of Ghana, has unveiled a bold economic plan to transform Ghana
- Speaking during a campaign tour in the Ashanti Region, Bawumia said every regional capital will become a duty-free zone
- The former Vice President is in the Ashanti Region campaigning to become the NPP’s flagbearer for the 2028 elections
A former presidential candidate of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has proposed a bold economic plan to transform Ghana.
Speaking during a campaign tour in the Ashanti Region on Thursday, September 11, 2025, Dr Bawumia pledged to implement a One Region, One Free-Zone policy if elected as President of Ghana in 2028.
Photo credit: Dr Mahamudu Bawumia/Facebook.
Source: Facebook
Dr Bawumia, who is the immediate past Vice President of Ghana, said the country has only one duty-free zone in Tema, and he would change that when elected into office.
Under the policy, he said, each of the 16 regional capitals in Ghana will become a duty-free zone.
According to him, this initiative aims to drive economic growth, help businesses grow, create jobs, and promote regional development across the country.
“Ghana has only one duty-free zone in Tema. I’m changing that. Every regional capital will become a duty-free zone. So, Kumasi will have a duty-free zone, so will Takoradi, and businesses in the duty-free zones will expand, creating jobs,” he said.
“As for jobs, I have a lot of ideas to create them. Give me the opportunity, and we will bring you the jobs. I have demonstrated to you in the past what I can do, and I will do more,” he added.
Watch the video below:
The Ghana Free Zones enclave
Ghana’s duty-free zones, managed by the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), are set up to regulate and facilitate activities within these zones.
It offers tax incentives and customs exemptions to promote manufacturing, processing, and export-oriented commercial and service activities.
Companies operating in these zones enjoy a 10-year tax holiday, followed by a reduced corporate tax rate, exemptions from import and export duties, and the ability to freely repatriate profits.
Established by the Free Zone Act of 1995 (Act 504), the GFZA aims to drive economic development by attracting foreign and local investments to establish processing and manufacturing facilities for goods destined for export.
To qualify, companies must export at least 70 percent of their annual production, with a maximum of 30 percent allowed for local sales.
With Dr Bawumia’s proposal, Ghana is likely to have 15 more duty-free zones in addition to the one in Tema if he is elected as the NPP’s flagbearer on January 31, 2026, and proceeds to win the 2028 presidential elections.
Read the post below:
Ghanaians doubt Bawumia’s duty-free zone promise
Ghanaians on social media have expressed doubts over Dr Bawumia’s promise to introduce duty-free zones in all the 16 regional capitals of the country.
YEN.com.gh compiled a few of the reactions below:
@Mutari Abu said:
“The man has started again this time is like he is speaking Chinese oooo . We no dey understand.”
@Moves and Links Trading & Logistics Ltd also said:
“Even when you tell us free visa to Europe sef. We no go mind you.”
@Kumah Emmamuel commented:
“King promise, if you promise all what will you promise in 2028 .I beg take it easy on us.”
Photo credit: KT Hammond & Dr Mahamudu Bawumia/Facebook.
Source: Facebook
KT Hammond campaign for Bawumia
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that the former Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, KT Hammond, urged NPP delegates to back Dr Bawumia as flagbearer for the 2028 presidential race.
He warned that Ghana and the NPP could suffer if Bawumia was not elected as president.
The veteran politician criticised wealthy aspirants for using their financial contributions as campaign tools.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Source: Yen.com.gh
