The Ghana Free Zones Authority has expressed its readiness to support the Ghana Revenue Authority in its quest to halt smuggling of goods from the Free Zone Enclaves to some areas within the country..

A statement released by the authority yesterday indicated that:

“The Ghana Free Zones Authority does not condone any illegal acts and would support the Customs Division of the GRA in carrying out its mandate of policing goods entering and exiting Free Zone areas”.

It stated further that the Authority has taken some measures and steps including contracting an independent consultancy to audit all licensed duty free shops and household plastic manufacturing companies found to have violated the Free Zone Act 1995 (ACT504) and its supporting regulations.

“The authority wishes to state unequivocally that Free Zones Enterprises are generally compliant to the Free Zones regulations. The Culpability of one Free Zone Company in wrongdoing should not provide justification for condemning the entire Free Zone scheme. The implementation of the Free Zones policy has created significant amount of direct and indirect employment and has contributed immensely to the economy of Ghana”.

“The Authority is therefore urging all its stakeholders to offer the authority the needed support to realize its mission to help transform into the Gateway to West Africa”.it noted

“The Authority wishes to also assure the law abiding Free Zones enterprises that the Ghana Free Zones Authority and its stakeholders will continue to create the conducive environment for their businesses to thrive”, the statement added.