By Zobia Zulfqar 
The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has announced plans to establish a dedicated sports centre and introduce regular health walks as permanent activities to improve the physical, mental, and social well-being of its workforce. The initiative forms part of activities marking the authority’s 40th anniversary and reflects its commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles among employees while strengthening teamwork and staff engagement across the organisation.
The announcement was made during a health and awareness walk organised simultaneously in Tema and Takoradi to officially launch the authority’s anniversary celebrations. The event attracted management, employees, retirees, union executives, family members, and members of the wider GPHA community, all of whom participated in the exercise as a show of unity and solidarity.
Speaking after the walk at the Junior Club House in Tema Community Two, the Director of Port, Tema, Mr. Tebon Zumah, praised participants for their enthusiasm and dedication. He commended both current staff and retirees for supporting the event and said their participation reflected the strong spirit that has helped the authority grow over the past four decades.
Mr. Zumah expressed appreciation to the entire GPHA workforce for its commitment and professionalism throughout the years. He noted that the authority’s success has been built on the dedication of employees who have consistently worked to maintain efficient port operations and strengthen public confidence in Ghana’s maritime sector.
According to him, the collective efforts of staff have contributed significantly to Ghana’s trade facilitation agenda and helped position the Ports of Tema and Takoradi among the country’s most important economic assets. He said the anniversary was not only an opportunity to celebrate the organisation’s achievements but also a time to recognise the people whose hard work made those achievements possible.
As part of plans to improve employee welfare, Mr. Zumah disclosed that management was considering the construction of a dedicated sports centre that would provide staff with a permanent venue for fitness programmes, sporting activities, and other wellness initiatives. He explained that the facility would encourage employees to remain physically active while creating opportunities for interaction outside the normal working environment.
He also revealed that management was exploring the possibility of making the annual health walk a permanent feature on the authority’s calendar. According to him, regular participation in such activities promotes healthier lifestyles, reduces stress, and strengthens relationships among employees, ultimately contributing to improved workplace productivity.
Mr. Zumah encouraged staff to remain committed to excellence in their daily responsibilities. He stressed that maintaining high standards of professionalism would enable the Ports of Tema and Takoradi to continue strengthening their reputation as efficient and competitive gateways for trade within Ghana and the West African sub region.
He said the maritime industry continues to evolve rapidly, making it important for GPHA employees to embrace innovation, improve operational efficiency, and provide quality services to customers and business partners. According to him, the authority’s long term success will depend on its ability to adapt to changing industry demands while maintaining a highly motivated workforce.
Meanwhile, similar anniversary activities were held at the Port of Takoradi, where the Director of Port, Captain James Richmond Quayson, also addressed participants. He described the anniversary as a celebration of the merger that led to the establishment of the modern Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and acknowledged the contributions made by successive generations of employees over the past forty years.
Captain Quayson said the milestone offered an opportunity to reflect on the authority’s journey, celebrate its accomplishments, and reaffirm its commitment to supporting Ghana’s economic development through efficient port services. He noted that the country’s ports continue to play a vital role in facilitating international trade, supporting local businesses, and attracting investment into the economy.
He encouraged employees to remain focused on delivering quality services while embracing continuous improvement in all aspects of port operations. According to him, maintaining world class standards will be essential as Ghana seeks to strengthen its position as a preferred maritime and logistics hub in the region.
The anniversary celebrations are expected to include a series of activities aimed at recognising the authority’s achievements and highlighting its contribution to national development. Management believes the programme will also strengthen relationships among employees, retirees, stakeholders, and members of the port community.
The proposed sports centre represents one of the most significant employee welfare initiatives announced during the celebrations. If implemented, it will provide staff with access to modern recreational and fitness facilities that support healthier living while encouraging greater participation in organised sporting activities.
GPHA says investing in employee wellness is an important part of building a productive and motivated workforce capable of meeting the growing demands of the maritime industry. Through initiatives such as regular health walks, wellness programmes, and improved recreational facilities, the authority hopes to create a healthier working environment while reinforcing the teamwork and dedication that have defined its operations over the past 40 years.
As it celebrates four decades of service, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority remains focused on strengthening its workforce, improving operational excellence, and supporting Ghana’s position as a leading gateway for regional and international trade.
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