Our ports' growth always depended on collaboration across maritime, logistics value chain — GPHA boss

The Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Major-General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, has underscored the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in the maritime and logistics sectors, saying their collective efforts have been central to the growth of Ghana’s ports.

He said the Authority’s progress over the past 40 years had been sustained by partnerships involving government, regulatory agencies, terminal operators, shipping lines, freight forwarders, transport operators, customers and other industry players.

Major-General Tanye-Kulono made the remarks in his welcome address at the GPHA’s 40th Anniversary Dinner and Awards Night, where he acknowledged the contributions of stakeholders to the development of the institution.

“The growth of our ports has always depended on collaboration across the maritime and logistics value chain. Your confidence in the Authority, your willingness to work with us and your continued support have been instrumental in advancing our shared objectives,” he said.

He noted that the performance of the ports was closely connected to the success of the businesses, institutions and communities that depended on their operations, stressing the need to sustain relationships across the industry.

The Director-General also paid tribute to former Directors of the Authority, recognising their leadership and the role they played in shaping its direction and development over the years.

He expressed appreciation to past and present sector ministers, members of the Governing Board and industry partners for their support, describing the Authority’s 40-year journey as a collective achievement built on hard work, bold initiatives and shared sacrifices.

Major-General Tanye-Kulono further commended past and present employees for their dedication, saying their commitment had helped sustain operations, strengthen the GPHA’s reputation and improve its ability to serve customers and contribute to national development.

He said the anniversary celebration was also an opportunity to recognise individuals and organisations whose contributions had supported the growth of the maritime industry.

Congratulating award recipients, he said the honours reflected the Authority’s appreciation for excellence and the partnerships that had contributed to its progress.

He encouraged the recipients to continue pursuing high standards, strengthening cooperation and making meaningful contributions to the industry, while reminding other stakeholders that the development of the ports depended on the efforts of many.

According to him, professionalism, improved service delivery and effective partnerships remained important to the sector’s continued advancement.

Looking to the future, the GPHA boss said the Authority must build on the foundations laid by previous generations, embrace new ideas and adopt better ways of working to become stronger, more competitive and better equipped to serve future generations.

He called for a collective commitment to ensuring that the next phase of the Authority’s development delivered greater innovation, stronger partnerships and improved efficiency.

Major-General Tanye-Kulono expressed gratitude to guests for attending the anniversary event, saying their presence demonstrated the enduring relationships that united stakeholders across the maritime industry.

He expressed hope that the next 40 years would see the GPHA make an even greater contribution to Ghana’s economic development and the prosperity of its West African neighbours.