Indigenous Freight Forwarders Praise Port Authority For Readiness Ahead Of 24-Hour Operations Launch

The Indigenous Freight Forwarders Association has expressed strong commendation for the management of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), led by Acting Director-General Brigadier-General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, for its proactive steps in preparing the country’s seaports for full-scale 24-hour operations set to commence in July.

The commendation follows an engagement between GPHA leadership and a delegation from the Indigenous Freight Forwarders, led by Dr. Mawuli Tettey, the group’s Convenor.

Dr. Tettey, after touring critical departments and newly aligned operational setups at the Port of Tema, described the Authority’s level of preparedness as “commendable” and “strategic,” adding that the 24-hour system, once operational, will be a transformative milestone in the logistics and shipping sectors.

“The port management, under the leadership of Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono, is clearly committed to making Ghana’s ports more competitive and efficient,” Dr. Tettey told journalists after the tour. “The steps taken so far show vision and responsibility. We are confident this initiative will be a game changer for port business and the national economy.”

The freight forwarders’ group noted that the introduction of round-the-clock port operations is expected to significantly reduce turnaround time for cargo clearance, enhance service delivery, and ease congestion at the ports—benefits that will directly impact importers, exporters, and logistics companies.

According to Dr. Tettey, freight forwarders are eagerly anticipating the policy’s implementation, which they believe will not only improve their operational timelines but also reduce cost burdens associated with delays and bottlenecks.

“Many of our members operate on tight margins,” he said. “Being able to process documents and cargo movements beyond the usual working hours gives us flexibility and efficiency. This will increase productivity and allow us to better serve clients.”

The 24-hour port operations form part of broader reforms being championed by GPHA under Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono, who took over the leadership earlier this year. Since his assumption of office, he has prioritized modernization, enhanced security systems, and greater stakeholder engagement as key pillars for transforming port service delivery in Ghana.

The GPHA’s decision to implement 24-hour operations has also been welcomed by other stakeholders, including shipping lines, customs officers, and private terminal operators, who see it as a strategic move to make Ghana’s ports more competitive in the sub-region.

The Indigenous Freight Forwarders Association assured the GPHA of their full cooperation and urged other allied agencies working at the ports to align their operations to support the seamless execution of the policy.

As the July rollout date approaches, all eyes are now on the GPHA and its partners to deliver on what could be one of the most impactful logistical reforms in recent years.