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Special Economic Zones in Ghana: A case study of enclaves in Tema, Dawa and Sekondi

Author

Listed:
  • Acheampong, Vera
  • Owusu, Nana Yaw Agyeman
  • Kupzig, Nina

Abstract

Many countries introduced concepts related to Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to promote export-led economic growth. However, the concepts and implementation of SEZs vastly differ, resulting in large differences between and within countries. Therefore, this study seeks to assess the current state of Ghana's Special Economic Zones while identifying challenges to SEZ enclave development in Ghana. For this, three main enclaves are considered: Tema Export Processing Zone, the Dawa Industrial Park, and the Export Processing Zone in Sekondi. Drawing on semi-structured indepth interviews with five officials from the Ghana Free Trade Authorities and site visits, the study conducts a three-step multi-dimensional comparative analysis. The study finds the presence of enclave-specific challenges relating to land and development issues, inadequate accessibility, and the Covid-19 pandemic to be key in explaining the low occupation of the enclaves. Further, implementation challenges relating to rent collection, political changes, and the absence of a common definition make it difficult to promote Ghana's SEZs adequately.

Suggested Citation

  • Acheampong, Vera & Owusu, Nana Yaw Agyeman & Kupzig, Nina, 2023. "Special Economic Zones in Ghana: A case study of enclaves in Tema, Dawa and Sekondi," KCG Working Papers 26, Kiel Centre for Globalization (KCG).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:kcgwps:26
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Special Economic Zones; Ghana; Free Zones; Comparative Analysis;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D20 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - General
    • O24 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy - - - Trade Policy; Factor Movement; Foreign Exchange Policy
    • O25 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy - - - Industrial Policy

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