President John Dramani Mahama has been urged to take immediate action to address the worsening crisis at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), which is crippling the country’s economy and causing widespread disruption to importers and businesses.
In a letter written by Charles Amoako-Brobbey, a forwarder, draws attention to the severe challenges facing GPHA, including a backlog of over 4,000 containers at the Meridian Port Services (MPS) since September 2024.
The container evacuation crisis has caused significant disruptions in the supply chain, resulting in importers incurring substantial demurrage fees ranging from USD 50.00 to USD 100.00 per day.
The current management team, which has overseen GPHA for the past eight years, has been criticized for its failure to address these systemic issues. The letter argues that appointing them as Director-General would be a disservice to the nation.
Instead, Amoako-Brobbey urges President Mahama to appoint a new Director-General with a proven track record of driving positive change in complex organizations. The ideal candidate should bring a fresh perspective, innovative solutions, and the ability to collaborate with key stakeholders.
The GPHA is a critical pillar of Ghana’s economy, contributing approximately 60% of direct revenue taxes. Its inefficiencies and systemic issues have resulted in substantial economic losses and operational bottlenecks.
The appointment of the next Director-General is an opportunity to reset the industry and align it with the broader objective of making Ghana work again. Stakeholders are eagerly awaiting President Mahama’s response to the letter, hoping for a swift and decisive intervention to address the crisis at GPHA.
Below is the full letter to the President:
Dear H.E. John Dramani Mahama
The Urgent Need for Strategic Leadership at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA)
RE: Recommendations for the Appointment of the Next GPHA Director-General
Introduction
The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) is a critical pillar of Ghana’s economy, contributing approximately 60% of direct revenue taxes to the national coffers. However, recent inefficiencies and systemic challenges have undermined its potential, leading to significant economic losses and operational bottlenecks. This report highlights the pressing issues at GPHA, particularly the container evacuation crisis, and underscores the need for a strategic and forward-thinking leader as the next Director-General.
Current Challenges at GPHA
1. Container Evacuation Backlog
Since September 2024, GPHA has been grappling with a backlog of over 4,000 containers at the Meridian Port Services (MPS). These containers are yet to be evacuated to various Inland Container Depots (ICDs), causing severe disruptions in the supply chain. Importers, already burdened with duties and shipping charges, are incurring demurrage fees ranging from USD 50.00 to USD 100.00 per day. These additional costs are ultimately passed on to consumers, exacerbating the cost of living for ordinary Ghanaians.
2. Missed Economic Opportunities
The inefficiencies at GPHA have had to far-reaching consequences, including missed opportunities for importers to clear and sell goods, particularly during the critical Christmas festive season. Even political campaigns were affected, with delays in the clearance of imported materials. This not only highlights operational inefficiencies but also underscores the broader economic impact of GPHA’s underperformance.
3. Leadership and Performance Concerns.
The current management team, which has overseen GPHA for the past eight years, has been unable to address these systemic issues. Their tenure has been marked by underwhelming performance, yet they are now seeking the highest office within the organization.
Rewarding such leadership with the role of Director-General would be a disservice to the nation and a missed opportunity to reset the industry.
The Need for a Strategic and Innovative Leader
The appointment of the next Director-General is a pivotal decision that will determine the future trajectory of GPHA and, by extension, Ghana’s economy. The following recommendations are proposed:
1. Fresh Perspectives and Innovative Ideas
The next Director-General must bring a fresh perspective to GPHA, unencumbered by the failures of the past. Innovative solutions, such as leveraging technology for container tracking and streamlining clearance processes, are essential to addressing the current challenges.
2. Proven Track Record in Leadership.
The ideal candidate should have a demonstrated history of driving positive change in complex organizations. Experience in logistics, supply chain management, or port operations would be particularly valuable.
3. Commitment to Stakeholder Engagement.
The new Director-General must prioritize collaboration with key stakeholders, including importers, shipping lines, and ICD operators, to ensure a cohesive approach to resolving the evacuation crisis and improving overall port efficiency.
The challenges at GPHA are not insurmountable, but they require decisive action and visionary leadership. The appointment of the next Director-General is an opportunity to reset the industry and align it with the broader objective of making Ghana work again. Entrusting this role to the same individuals who have overseen GPHA’s decline would be a grave mistake. Instead, we must seek out leaders with the zeal, innovation, and strategic acumen to drive positive change.
The stakes are high, and the time to act is now. Let us not squander this opportunity to transform GPHA into a world-class institution that serves the interests of all Ghanaians.
Forwarder Charles Amoako-Brobbey.
