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The Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Brigadier General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, has highlighted the successful implementation of Ghana’s 24-hour economy policy at the nation’s ports.
He described it as a transformative initiative that was enhancing efficiency, boosting trade and strengthening the competitiveness of Ghana’s maritime sector.
Speaking to journalists on the sideline of the 2025 International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) Sustainability Awards in Kobe, Japan, Brig. Gen. Tanye-Kulono stated that the round-the-clock operations policy had streamlined port processes, reduced turnaround times and improved the clearance of goods, therefore, positioning Ghana as a preferred maritime hub in West Africa.
The occasion also marked a proud moment for Ghana, as GPHA emerged the overall global winner in the Community Building category of the 2025 IAPH Sustainability Awards.
The authority’s outstanding community engagement and development initiatives were adjudged the best among 112 entries submitted by 41 countries worldwide.
The award recognises GPHA’s impactful corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes in education, healthcare, environmental sustainability and livelihood empowerment within its host communities in Tema and Takoradi.
The Board Chairman of GPHA, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, led the delegation, while Brig. Gen. Tanye-Kulono delivered a speech expressing deep appreciation to the IAPH for the honour.
The Director-General dedicated the award to the hardworking staff of GPHA and its partner communities, emphasising that the achievement reflected 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 our shared vision with the communities that support port operations,” Brig. Gen. Tanye-Kulono said.
The Director-General reaffirmed GPHA’s dedication to expanding its CSR footprint and maintaining high professional standards in service delivery.
He stated that the recognition from IAPH would serve as a motivation to continue championing sustainable port development and inclusive community engagement.
The President of IAPH and Chief Executive Officer of the Hamburg Port Authority, Jens Meier, commended the remarkable strides made by ports around the world in aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He said since the inception of the World Ports Sustainability Programme (WPSP) in 2018, over 516 projects from 195 ports across 71 countries had been showcased, highlighting the industry’s growing commitment to sustainability.
