Editorial: Successful implementation of 24-hour operations at ports recognised globally

The 24-hour economy policy is reshaping operations at the nation’s ports, enhancing trade facilitation and strengthening the country’s competitiveness, Director General-Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) Brigadier-General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono has stated.

Successful implementation of the round-the-clock operations policy at ports has significantly improved efficiency, reduced vessel turnaround times and accelerated goods clearance processes.

He made this disclosure 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 event also brought global recognition to Ghana as GPHA emerged overall winner in the Community Building category of the 2025 IAPH Sustainability Awards – triumphing over 112 entries from 41 countries.

This award celebrates the Authority’s outstanding community engagement and development projects, particularly in education, healthcare, environmental sustainability and livelihood empowerment for its host communities of Tema and Takoradi.

GPHA’s delegation was led by its Board Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, with Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono receiving the award and expressing appreciation to IAPH for the honour.

The Director-General noted that international recognition will further inspire his outfit to champion sustainable port development and deepen community partnerships.

President-IAPH and CEO-Hamburg Port Authority Jens Meier lauded ports worldwide for aligning their operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Ghana Ports and Har­bours Authority (GPHA) officially rolled out 24-hour operations at the ports of Tema and Takoradi in July 2025 by extending round-the-clock services to key terminals  including Terminal 2, Transit, Reefer and the Golden Jubilee Terminal – complementing the already operational 24-hour ship-side activities.

This development is expected to streamline cargo handling, reduce turnaround time and boost Ghana’s competitiveness as a maritime hub in West Africa. This move underscores the authority’s readiness to support Ghana’s economic ambitions, fostering a more dynamic and accessible port system for businesses and stakeholders.

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