By Joseph W. Quarm
In a renewed effort to drive sustenanle growth and development of entreprises under its outfit, the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) led by it’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Mary Awusi, paid a working visit to the ongoing Integrated Refinery Project site of Philbro Group Limited at Kyekyewere in the Eastern Region.
The visit formed part of the Authority’s ongoing stakeholder engagement and monitoring activities aimed at supporting the growth and development of Free Zones enterprises across the country.
During the tour, the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Philbro Group Limited, Philip Brobbey, took the visiting team through a detailed presentation on the company’s ambitious integrated oil refinery project, which is being developed on a 360-acre parcel of land.
The facility, currently under construction, is expected to include a modern processing plant, water treatment facility, staff accommodation units, a canteen, clinic, and daycare centre, all designed to support efficient operations and enhance staff welfare.
Brobbey further indicated that by-products generated from the refinery process would be converted into soap and other value-added products, noting that the company is producing its own construction blocks for the ongoing development of the facility, demonstrating a strong commitment to self-sufficiency and local production capacity.
Dr Ayisi expressed satisfaction with the scale of work being undertaken at the site and commended Philbro Group Limited for its forward-looking approach to industrial development.
She particularly applauded the inclusion of staff-focused facilities such as the daycare centre, clinic, and accommodation units, which she believes will significantly improve employee welfare and productivity.
Dr Ayisi further highlighted the importance of the daycare facility in supporting working mothers and promoting women’s empowerment within the industrial sector, describing it as a thoughtful initiative that encourages greater female participation in the workforce.
Officials from the Customs Division also underscored the importance of continued cooperation in facilitating efficient trade processes and maintaining regulatory standards within the Free Zones enclave.
The GFZA CEO was accompanied by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Finance and Administration, Musah Sibiri Hamidu; Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Operations, Lateef Apau Wiredu; Senior Manager for Corporate Affairs, Bilal Muazu Sulemana; Head of Compliance, Michael Larbi; as well as other officers of the Authority.