By Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has issued a directive. The Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Brigadier-General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, must investigate allegations. These allegations concern unjustifiable staff promotions within the Authority.
During a courtesy visit to GPHA, Mr. Nikpe emphasised that promotions should be based on merit. They should also be based on fairness, rather than political affiliations. He stressed that GPHA is a business entity. It should operate with professionalism and efficiency. Political considerations should not influence its internal decisions.
“The port is a business hub, and all decisions made must reflect that reality. Promotions should be fair and justified, not politically motivated,” the Minister stated.
The directive is expected to restore transparency and integrity within GPHA’s human resource management. It will ensure that promotions are granted equitably. They will be based on competence.
He said he would not support political promotions. He charged the DG to investigate such promotions and reverse them if need be. He stated that promotions should not be premised on political affiliations. Instead, they should be based on merit and equity.
“The President is right to describe Ghana as a crime scene. He emphasized that promoting someone three times in one year is unfair. It disadvantages others who have been waiting for 10 years.”
The Minister added that the port was a business centre. It must be viewed in this way rather than taking decisions based solely on politics.
Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono, welcoming the Minister and his entourage, revealed that “there is no equity when it comes to promotions. I have learnt something called protocol promotions. In these cases, some people are promoted two to three times a year. Meanwhile, others mark time.”
He said he was looking into the issue. With the Minister’s support, they would address all those caught in the web.
He touched on other issues at the port. He announced that the dredging of the Tema Port was included in the GPHA’s 2025 budget. The work had been delayed for three days.
He indicated that the port depth was currently eight feet. It needed to be dredged to a minimum of 12 feet. This would ensure that bigger ships could visit and turnover. — GNA
