The 24-hour economy policy has been hailed as a transformative initiative that is reshaping operations at the nation’s ports, enhancing trade facilitation and strengthening the country’s competitiveness as a maritime hub in West Africa.
According to the Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Brigadier General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, the successful implementation of the round-the-clock operations policy at ports has significantly improved efficiency, reduced vessel turnaround times and accelerated goods clearance processes.
Speaking to journalists on the side-lines of the 2025 International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) Sustainability Awards in Kobe, Japan, Brigadier General Tanye-Kulono described the initiative as a key driver of economic transformation and a model for the wider logistics and trade ecosystem.
“The 24-hour operations have not only improved cargo handling but have also made Ghana’s ports more attractive for international shipping lines and investors,” he said.
The event also brought global recognition to Ghana as the GPHA emerged overall winner in the Community Building category of the 2025 IAPH Sustainability Awards — triumphing over 112 entries from 41 countries. The award celebrates the Authority’s outstanding community engagement and development projects, particularly in education, healthcare, environmental sustainability and livelihood empowerment in its host communities of Tema and Takoradi.
The GPHA delegation was led by its Board Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, with Brigadier General Tanye-Kulono receiving the award and expressing appreciation to the IAPH for the honour. He dedicated the achievement to GPHA’s staff and partner communities, stressing that the recognition reflects the Authority’s commitment to inclusive growth and shared prosperity.
“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 and shared vision with our host communities,” he remarked.
The Director-General reaffirmed GPHA’s commitment to expanding its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and upholding high professional standards in port management and service delivery. He noted that the international recognition would further inspire his out to champion sustainable port development and deepen community partnerships.
Global recognition of sustainability leadership
President of the IAPH and CEO of the Hamburg Port Authority, Jens Meier, lauded ports worldwide for aligning their operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He disclosed that since the launch of the World Ports Sustainability Programme (WPSP) in 2018, over 516 projects from 195 ports across 71 countries have been showcased — highlighting the maritime industry’s growing commitment to environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
Source b&ftonline
