The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has taken note of recent public interest and commentary regarding the reversal of certain staff promotions within the Authority. Management deems it necessary to clarify the circumstances surrounding this decision and the rationale underpinning the measures taken.

Following a number of formal petitions received by the Acting Director General, Brigadier General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, concerning irregularities in recent staff promotions, he commissioned a committee to thoroughly investigate the matter.

After months of meticulously assessing the promotions on a case-by-case basis, the findings revealed that a significant number of them were in breach of the Authority’s promotion policy as there were instances where some individuals were promoted multiple times within a single year, while other competent and deserving staff members were sidelined.

The Director General felt such disparities were contrary to the principles of fairness and had the potential to demoralize hardworking staff. After broad consultations, the decision was taken to annul all recent promotions that were found to be in breach of established Human Resources policy.

This decision was taken with the utmost sensitivity, fairness, and objectivity it deserves, with careful consideration given to both the individual and organizational impact; all in the interest of Ghanaians, and in line with the Reset Agenda, which seeks to restore discipline, accountability, and integrity in public sector institutions.

Also, the cumulative financial impact of these unjustifiable promotions posed a threat to the long-term fiscal health of the Authority.

It is imperative to state that this is not a punitive exercise. Rather, a corrective step toward strengthening the integrity of the Authority and ensuring that all employees are treated fairly; and that career advancement within the Authority is based strictly on merit and performance.

We understand that such reforms may raise concerns among affected parties. In view of this, the Director General has established appropriate channels through which staff may seek redress.

The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority is confident that this action will help boost the confidence of staff and position the Authority as a performance-driven one.