The Deputy Minister of Transport, Hon. Dorcas Affo-Toffey, has praised the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) for the successful roll-out of 24-hour port operations, describing it as a milestone achievement in Ghana’s transport and trade facilitation agenda.
According to the Deputy Minister, the initiative aligns strongly with the Government’s 24-Hour Economy Policy, which seeks to boost productivity, create jobs, and enhance service delivery across strategic sectors of the economy. She emphasized that the operationalization of this policy within Ghana’s port system demonstrates government’s commitment to positioning the country as a competitive hub for maritime trade within the sub-region.
Hon. Affo-Toffey made these remarks on Tuesday, September 22, 2025, during a working visit to the GPHA as part of her engagements with agencies under the Ministry of Transport. The visit afforded her the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the Authority’s operations and interact directly with its management on issues affecting efficiency, service delivery, and competitiveness.
She was warmly received by the Director General of GPHA, Brigadier General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono (Rtd.), together with members of the Authority’s management team and staff.
A Major Milestone For The Transport Sector
In her address, the Deputy Minister commended GPHA for embracing innovation and efficiency through the introduction of the 24-hour port operations, noting that the move would significantly improve turnaround time for vessels and reduce the cost of doing business at Ghana’s ports.
“The roll-out of the 24-hour port system is not only a step towards improving port efficiency but also a key driver for Ghana’s long-term competitiveness in global trade. This is a policy that has the potential to transform logistics, stimulate industrial growth, and support government’s vision of building a resilient 24-hour economy,” she said.
Hon. Affo-Toffey underscored the importance of strong collaboration between GPHA and other critical stakeholders in the maritime value chain such as customs, shipping lines, freight forwarders, and port users. She explained that smooth coordination across these stakeholders would be essential to ensure the continuous success of the initiative.
GPHA’s Commitment To Efficiency
On his part, the Director General of GPHA, Brigadier General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Transport for the consistent support that has enabled the Authority to pursue bold reforms. He commended the leadership of the sector Minister, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, for creating the right environment for the Authority to innovate.
Brigadier General Tanye-Kulono assured the Deputy Minister that GPHA remains fully committed to streamlining processes, reducing turnaround times, and eliminating inefficiencies such as double-handling.
“Our mission is to make Ghana’s ports not just functional, but highly competitive within the West African sub-region. By optimizing operations, embracing digitalization, and working closely with stakeholders, we will achieve a port system that supports Ghana’s development goals while serving as a trusted hub for the Sahelian markets and the oil and gas industry,” he emphasized.
He revealed that dredging works will soon commence at the Port of Tema, specifically from berth 15 to berth 17, to enable the port to accommodate larger vessels. This, he noted, is part of GPHA’s broader modernization programme aimed at enhancing capacity and attracting more international shipping lines.
Driving Transparency And Stakeholder Engagement
Brigadier General Tanye-Kulono further indicated that GPHA has intensified stakeholder engagements, including with the media, to improve transparency and deepen public understanding of the Authority’s operations. He maintained that openness and effective communication are central to building trust and confidence among port users.
Touching on digitalization, he stated that efforts are underway to expand e-port solutions to reduce paperwork, increase efficiency, and create seamless interactions for clients. These interventions, he said, would not only strengthen Ghana’s ports but also position them as the preferred choice for regional and international trade partners.
Ongoing Developments At Tema And Takoradi
The General Manager for Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Dr. Kingsley Antwi-Boasiako, delivered a detailed presentation on the numerous developments undertaken at both the Tema and Takoradi Ports. He highlighted improvements in infrastructure, operational systems, and customer service, all of which are tailored towards achieving world-class standards.
Dr. Antwi-Boasiako stressed that Tema and Takoradi Ports remain critical gateways to Ghana’s economy, handling over 80 percent of the country’s trade volumes. He explained that strategic upgrades across both ports are designed to enhance their competitiveness and provide seamless services to international partners.
The Director of the Port of Tema, Mr. Tebon Zumah, later joined the Deputy Minister and her entourage on a guided tour of Terminal 3 and other sections of the port. The tour afforded the Deputy Minister a direct view of ongoing operations and demonstrated how GPHA is working to consolidate Ghana’s standing as a maritime leader in the sub-region.
Looking Ahead
Hon. Dorcas Affo-Toffey concluded her visit with words of encouragement, charging GPHA to sustain its reforms and innovations to ensure that Ghana remains a key destination for maritime trade and investment.
She reiterated government’s commitment to supporting GPHA and other transport-related agencies to fully integrate the 24-hour economy concept into their operations. She also emphasized that the success of the initiative would depend on continuous collaboration, investment in technology, and effective coordination with private sector stakeholders.
The roll-out of 24-hour port operations has been widely welcomed by businesses and industry players, who believe it will ease congestion, speed up cargo clearance, and improve overall logistics efficiency. For many, this initiative marks a turning point in Ghana’s efforts to modernize its ports and strengthen its role as a gateway to West Africa.
With GPHA’s ongoing modernization agenda, including dredging works, stakeholder engagement, and digital transformation, Ghana is steadily positioning itself to compete favorably with regional and global ports. The collaborative spirit between the Ministry of Transport and GPHA signals a bright future for Ghana’s maritime sector and the broader economy.
