The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has honoured outstanding individuals and organisations for their contributions to the growth of Ghana’s maritime industry at a special Industry Awards Dinner held as part of activities marking the Authority’s 40th anniversary.

Delivering the keynote address, the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, commended GPHA’s past and present leadership, staff and industry stakeholders for their collective role in transforming Ghana’s ports over the past four decades.

He described the anniversary as a celebration of institutional growth, visionary leadership and enduring partnerships that have strengthened Ghana’s position in regional and international trade.

Nikpe noted that Ghana’s ports remain strategic national assets that facilitate trade, create employment and support economic growth.

He stressed the need for continuous improvements in port efficiency, digitalisation, multimodal connectivity, sustainability, workforce development and regional integration to position Ghana as the preferred logistics gateway for West Africa.

According to him, achieving these objectives would require stronger collaboration among the government, GPHA, private sector operators, customers and other stakeholders across the transport and logistics value chain.

He urged industry players to sustain the spirit of partnership that has underpinned the Authority’s success over the years.

Chairman of the GPHA Board of Directors, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, said the awards ceremony provided an opportunity to celebrate individuals and institutions whose commitment, professionalism and partnerships had contributed significantly to the Authority’s development and the growth of Ghana’s maritime sector.

He acknowledged the critical role played by shipping lines, terminal operators, freight forwarders, transport operators, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders in supporting the Authority’s mission over the past 40 years.

Asiedu Nketiah emphasised that while the anniversary offered an opportunity to reflect on past achievements, it also served as a call to prepare for the future through innovation, improved operational efficiency, good governance and sustained investment in infrastructure and human capital.

He reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to providing strategic direction and oversight to ensure that GPHA remains competitive and responsive to the evolving demands of global trade.

Earlier, in his welcome address, GPHA Director-General Major-General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono described the Authority’s 40-year journey as a testament to the vision of its leaders, the dedication of its employees and the confidence of stakeholders whose support had shaped the institution’s success.

He paid tribute to former directors-general, past and present sector ministers, Board members, industry partners and employees whose contributions had helped establish GPHA as one of Ghana’s most important trade facilitation institutions.

The Director-General noted that the growth of the ports had been driven by collaboration across the maritime and logistics value chain. He expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their continued partnership and confidence in the Authority.

Highlighting the significance of the awards, he said the honours were intended to recognise individuals and organisations whose commitment to excellence and collaboration had strengthened the maritime industry and contributed to GPHA’s success.

Major-General Tanye-Kulono urged stakeholders to build on the legacy of the past four decades by embracing innovation, strengthening partnerships and pursuing greater efficiency to ensure a stronger and more competitive port sector in the years ahead.

The event brought together government officials, former directors-general, members of the GPHA Board, management and staff, industry partners and customers to celebrate four decades of service, partnership and progress while recognising excellence across the maritime and logistics industry.