Resources/Investment Incentives

Investment Incentives & Tax Benefits

Ghana offers a range of incentives designed to attract and retain foreign investment — from 10-year tax holidays in Free Zones to duty-free US market access under AGOA.

Ghana Free Zones Act, 1995 (Act 504)

Ghana Free Zones Incentives

Free Zone status is the most generous incentive regime available in Ghana. Enterprises manufacturing for export (minimum 70% of output exported) qualify for Free Zone designation through the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA).

Income tax holiday

0% income tax for the first 10 years of operation

10 years

Income tax after holiday

Capped at 8% even after the holiday period — vs. standard 25%

8% maximum

Import duty on equipment

All production equipment, machinery, and spare parts imported duty-free

Import duty on raw materials

Raw materials and intermediate inputs imported duty-free

Export duty on finished goods

No export duty on goods produced in the zone

Foreign ownership

Full foreign equity ownership permitted — no local partner required

100%

Profit repatriation

100% of profits, dividends, and capital may be remitted abroad

Unrestricted

Tax exemptions and sector-specific benefits

Agriculture Sector Incentives

Ghana prioritises agricultural investment as a national development objective. Investors in qualifying agricultural activities benefit from extended tax holidays and reduced import duties.

Income tax holiday — agro-processing

Processing of agricultural produce for export

10 years

Income tax holiday — primary agriculture

Farming, fishing, and primary livestock production

5 years

Import duty on agri-equipment

Tractors, harvesters, irrigation equipment — subject to specific HS codes

Reduced/0%

VAT on agricultural inputs

Fertilisers, seeds, pesticides exempt from VAT

Zero-rated

ECOWAS trade

Zero import duty for goods sold within ECOWAS member states

Duty-free

For manufacturers outside Free Zones

Manufacturing Sector Incentives

Standard corporate investment incentives apply to manufacturing companies that do not qualify for or elect not to take Free Zone status. These include accelerated depreciation, reduced rates in preferred regions, and access to export financing.

Corporate tax — manufacturing

Standard rate; reduced rates may apply in priority regions

25%

Accelerated depreciation

Qualifying capital assets may be depreciated faster than standard rates

Available

Export development fund

GhanaXim Export Development Fund provides low-interest financing for exporters

Access

AGOA (US market)

Qualifying manufactured goods exported to the US duty-free under AGOA

Duty-free

EU-Ghana EPA

Preferential tariff rates for exports to EU member states

Preferential

Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act, 2013 (Act 865)

GIPC Investor Protections

Beyond tax incentives, GIPC registration confers a set of legally guaranteed protections that reduce investment risk for foreign investors.

Expropriation protection

Government guarantee against nationalisation or seizure without fair compensation

Guaranteed

Profit repatriation

Legally protected right to repatriate dividends, profits, and capital

Guaranteed

International arbitration

Access to ICSID (World Bank) dispute resolution for investment disputes

ICSID access

Most Favoured Nation

Investors entitled to treatment no less favourable than any other foreign investor

Applies

BIT protection

Bilateral Investment Treaties with China, UK, France, Germany, and others provide additional protections

30+ countries

Ghana Tax Rate Summary

As of 2024/25 fiscal year

Standard Corporate Income Tax25%

Free Zone Income Tax (post-holiday)Max 8%

Free Zone Income Tax Holiday0% / 10 years

Capital Gains Tax25%

Dividend Withholding Tax8%

VAT (standard rate)15%

National Health Insurance Levy2.5%

Import Duty (general)0–20%

Import Duty (capital equipment — Free Zone)0%

Rates are indicative. Verify current rates with a qualified Ghanaian tax advisor before investment decisions.

Get help maximising your incentives

NexusTrade can connect you with tax specialists and GFZA-accredited advisors who will ensure your investment structure captures all available benefits.

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