The implementation of 24-hour port operations by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has significantly enhanced trade efficiency, reduced vessel turnaround time, and positioned Ghana as a competitive maritime hub in West Africa, authorities have said.
According to the Director-General of GPHA, Brigadier General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, the round-the-clock operations have not only accelerated cargo clearance but have also strengthened the wider logistics and trade ecosystem.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the 2025 International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) Sustainability Awards held in Kobe, Japan, the GPHA boss described the initiative as “a key driver of economic transformation and a model for modern port management across the sub-region.”
“The 24-hour operations have improved efficiency, reduced handling delays, and made Ghana’s ports more attractive to international shipping lines and investors,” he said.
The success of the 24-hour port system has been recognized internationally, with GPHA emerging as the overall winner in the Community Building category of the 2025 IAPH Sustainability Awards.
The Authority triumphed over 112 entries from 41 countries, marking a major milestone in Ghana’s maritime journey.
The prestigious award celebrates GPHA’s outstanding contributions to education, environmental sustainability, healthcare, and livelihood empowerment in its host communities of Tema and Takoradi.
GPHA’s delegation to the event was led by Board Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, while Brig. Gen. Tanye-Kulono received the award on behalf of the Authority. He expressed deep appreciation to the IAPH for the honour, dedicating the achievement to GPHA’s staff and partner communities.
“Our success as a port authority goes beyond vessel and cargo handling efficiency. True sustainability lies in improving the quality of life of the people we serve,” he said. “This award is a testament to our resilience, our shared vision, and our commitment to inclusive growth and shared prosperity.”
The Director-General reaffirmed GPHA’s commitment to expanding its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives while upholding high professional standards in port management and service delivery.
He noted that the international recognition would further inspire the Authority to deepen community partnerships and champion sustainable port development.
President of the IAPH and CEO of the Hamburg Port Authority, Jens Meier, commended GPHA and other ports for aligning their operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He revealed that since the launch of the World Ports Sustainability Programme (WPSP) in 2018, more than 516 projects from 195 ports in 71 countries have been showcased, reflecting the maritime industry’s growing commitment to environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
Ghana’s recognition at the global stage, Meier added, highlights how ports in developing economies are driving innovation through sustainability-led strategies.
With its 24-hour operations and strong community engagement, GPHA continues to set new benchmarks for efficiency, inclusiveness, and global competitiveness in the maritime sector, reinforcing Ghana’s image as a regional trade leader and sustainable port operator.
