Management of the Ghana Publishing Company Limited (GPCL) has dismissed claims by a former Managing Director that the company was already operating a 24-hour production system during the 2020 general elections, insisting that what existed at the time was merely extended work hours driven by tight deadlines.

In a statement responding to several assertions made by the former MD, the company said the printing of ballot papers for the 2020 Presidential and Parliamentary elections required staff to work around the clock solely to meet Electoral Commission timelines — not because a structured 24-hour shift system was in place.

“While the company may have worked for 24 hours during the printing of ballot papers, this was due to workload demands and solely to meet Electoral Commission deadlines,” the statement noted. “This work was done with significant overtime payments to staff.”

According to management, the distinction is important because the former MD’s comments sought to create the impression that GPCL had already institutionalised a 24-hour operational model years ago.

However, the company maintains that its current 24-hour production system is fundamentally different.

“At Ghana Publishing Company today, a structured 24-hour shift system aligned with the government’s 24-hour economy policy is fully operational, and staff are not required to work overtime to meet deadlines,” the statement said.

The clarification comes amid ongoing public discussions about the performance of state-owned enterprises and how they align with national productivity reforms, including the government’s 24-hour economy agenda.

GPCL says the new system ensures efficiency, better staff welfare, and improved turnaround times without placing undue pressure on workers.

Management insists that previous election-related operations, though intensive, were temporary and deadline-driven, and should not be confused with the permanent shift-based model now in place.