GPHA wins global award for 24-hour port operations
The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) says its successful implementation of a 24-hour port operation system has transformed Ghana’s maritime sector, boosting trade efficiency, cutting vessel turnaround times and positioning the country as a major logistics hub in West Africa.
According to the Director-General of GPHA, Brigadier General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, the round-the-clock operations have been instrumental in accelerating cargo clearance, improving productivity and strengthening the entire logistics and trade ecosystem.
Speaking to journalists at the 2025 International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) Sustainability Awards in Kobe, Japan, Brig. Gen. Tanye-Kulono described the initiative as “a key driver of economic transformation and a model for modern port management in 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 stated.
Ghana’s success story has earned international acclaim, 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, an achievement officials described as a major milestone in Ghana’s maritime development.
The award honours GPHA’s remarkable contributions to community empowerment, environmental conservation, healthcare and education in its host port cities 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. Expressing gratitude to the IAPH for the recognition, he dedicated the honour to the hardworking staff of GPHA and its 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. This award is a testament to our resilience, our shared vision and our commitment to inclusive growth and shared prosperity,” he said.
Brig. Gen. Tanye-Kulono reaffirmed GPHA’s commitment to expanding its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives while maintaining the highest standards of professional excellence in port management and service delivery. He said the global recognition would further motivate the Authority to deepen community partnerships and promote sustainable port development across Ghana.
President of the IAPH and Chief Executive Officer of the Hamburg Port Authority, Jens Meier, commended GPHA and other global ports for aligning their operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He disclosed that since the launch of the World Ports Sustainability Program (WPSP) in 2018, more than 516 projects from 195 ports across 71 countries have been featured, demonstrating the maritime industry’s growing commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
Meier added that Ghana’s recognition underscores how ports in developing economies are leading innovation through sustainability-led strategies.
With its 24-hour operations, robust CSR programmes and growing international reputation, GPHA continues to set new benchmarks for operational excellence, inclusiveness and competitiveness, cementing Ghana’s standing as a regional trade powerhouse and a model of sustainable port management.
