Bawumia Promises Duty-Free Zones in Every Regional Capital to Boost Jobs, Investments

Former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has promised to establish duty-free zones in all 16 regional capitals if elected President, as part of a sweeping plan to transform Ghana’s business environment and accelerate job creation.

Speaking on Thursday, September 11, during his campaign tour of the Ashanti Region, Dr. Bawumia argued that the current model—where Ghana has only one duty-free zone located at the Tema Port—constrains business expansion and limits economic opportunities.

“When God helps me and I come to power, I have a plan to help businesses in this country. In the whole of Ghana, we have only one duty-free zone, located at the Tema Port in Accra,” he said.

“I am changing that. With my model, every regional capital will become a duty-free zone. Kumasi will have one, and the same will happen in Takoradi and the others. You will realise that businesses under the duty-free zone will expand and create jobs,” he declared to cheering supporters.

The former Vice President stressed that the initiative would not only empower entrepreneurs but also attract fresh investment into local economies, creating opportunities for both young and old.

Dr. Bawumia further highlighted his track record in job creation during his time in government, citing policies such as the rollout of the Ghana Card, the NABCo programme, and the establishment of medical drone centres. He said these initiatives had collectively generated tens of thousands of jobs, evidence of his capacity to deliver on bold ideas.

“When it comes to job creation, I have more ideas in mind; all you have to do is give me the opportunity. Already, I have shown you what I can do,” he said.

The pledge forms part of Dr. Bawumia’s broader campaign message as he seeks to lead the NPP into the 2028 general elections, with his proposals centred on economic reforms, innovation, and inclusive growth.